Watchdog Anti-Malware is a malware scanner and removal tool for Windows that can work alongside an existing antivirus. It provides an additional check for infections, including persistent threats such as rootkits and bootkits, and combines scans started by the user with real-time malware protection.
Cloud analysis and folder scans
Watchdog Anti-Malware connects to cloud services during a scan to help classify files. Information sent for analysis can include file names, versions and hashes, which identify file contents. In some cases, the software also submits the contents of a file. This process uses executable files and certain other file types, such as browser plugins; it does not collect document or image contents for this analysis.
The cloud service combines threat information in a database and uses rules to determine whether a file or program is safe or malicious. File signatures and information about suspicious activity also contribute to the information sent to the service.
Users can start a scan from the main screen or select a folder to check. Folder selection can target a specific location, such as a directory containing downloaded programs.
Malware removal
The removal functions address malware already present on a computer. Watchdog Anti-Malware targets browser hijackers as well as threats that embed themselves more deeply in Windows. Browser hijacker removal deals with unwanted software that takes control of the browser, while rootkit and bootkit removal addresses persistent infections.
Watchdog Anti-Malware supplements the computer’s antivirus as a second-opinion scanner; it is not a complete replacement for antivirus protection.
Real-time protection and licensing
Watchdog Anti-Malware also monitors for malware continuously and can block threats as they appear. This protection operates between manually started scans. Ransomware protection is included alongside the scanner and removal functions.
The consumer product uses a paid license, with a fully functional 15-day trial for evaluating its protection features. Licenses cover different numbers of PCs and subscription terms. Watchdog Anti-Malware is separate from the developer’s Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Business products, which have their own downloads and licenses.
