Spybot Search & Destroy has not kept pace with the latest advancements in malware and malware protection. It is not generally considered to be in the top tier of anti-malware programs. This except from a PCMag review last fall tells the tale:
- Pros
Easy installation on malware-infested test systems.
- Cons Extremely poor detection of malware. Extremely poor removal of detected malware. Even worse removal of rootkits in particular. Many user interface elements significantly awkward.
- Bottom Line
Spybot was one of the first antispyware tools ever. It's been dormant for a while. Now Spybot - Search & Destroy 2.0 promises to destroy "spyware, malware, adware and other malicious software." In testing, it proved almost 100 percent ineffective.