Malwarebytes announced the acquisition of Junkware Removal Tool, a security program that searches for and removes potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) such as adware, spyware, and toolbars. The acquisition will integrate its definitions and tactics into the Malwarebytes product line. Junkware Removal Tool owner and developer, Filipos Mouliatis, will also be joining Malwarebytes Labs out of Houston, Texas.
“Malwarebytes is a highly respected anti-malware and anti-exploit company that I’ve known of for years, so I was excited to hear about the possibility of working together,” said Mouliatis. “I look forward to helping further develop software that will destroy potentially unwanted programs such as adware and spyware.”
“Let’s face it, PUPs are a growing problem, and the Junkware Removal Tool is a fantastic addition to strengthen our ability to address them,” said Malwarebytes founder and CEO Marcin Kleczynski. “We’re proud to be integrating this technology. Not only that, Filipos’ creativity and ingenuity are great additions to the Malwarebytes team. With this move and others to come, we’re doubling down on expanding our PUP protections, and our customers will see the benefits very soon.”
Junkware Removal Tool is a popular download on sites such as CNET, MajorGeeks, and BleepingComputer.com. The security utility consistently ranks in the top 10 downloaded Windows apps on all three sites, and has had more than 4 million downloads on BleepingComputer.com alone.
“At BleepingComputer.com, we’ve found that adware and PUPs have increasingly become one of the largest sources of problems for our visitors,” said Lawrence Abrams, owner of BleepingComputer.com. “With Malwarebytes and Junkware Removal Tool being two of the most popular downloads, it’s going to be exciting to see how these two programs will join forces to further protect our visitors against adware and PUPs.”
Malwarebytes has already taken an aggressive stance on targeting and removing PUPs, adware, spyware, and grayware. Acquiring Junkware Removal Tool reinforces its commitment to fighting not only harmful and deceptive PUPs, but also annoying and misleading ones.
The integration of Junkware Removal Tool within Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will take place over the next few months. The stand-alone JRT program will remain intact for those who wish to use it.
