Spy Killer by Maxion is an extremely affordable product that offers a wide variety of features to protect your computer. Although, Spy Killer offers many of the same features as its competitors they do not update their definitions as often. When we contacted a support member, they reported that they only update every 2-3 months. In comparison, the top-ranked product, Spy Sweeper updates bi-weekly.
The latest version of Spy Killer has improved its risk assessment ability. When the program identifies threats, it relates the location as well as the threat type such as cookie, spyware, adware, virus, keylogger and so on. It also ranks the threat as low, medium or high.
The software offers several scanning options including a quick scan that excludes systems folders and a selective scan. Unfortunately, two different scans have to run to perform a complete scan. The second scan for BHOs, toolbars, startup files and more was difficult to find-access this scan through their advanced options under the hijack scan.
The program includes limited quarantine ability. The software makes a backup copy of deleted files in the quarantine field, which can be restored if you change your mind. However, you can only restore all of them or none; you cannot select just the ones you want.
Spy Killer offers an extensive list of useful features, such as a file shredder, that can overwrite a file up to 30 times. They also include a whitelist/blacklist type real-time monitoring feature called an “active system shield.”
Sky killer has the ability to protect your computer from over 1000 harmful applications by blocking downloads and installations. This application also includes:
- A stealth mode
- The ability to lock your home page to prevent hijacking
- Free updates for a year
- The ability to back-up components before deletion
- A scheduler that looks for the most recent updates
- The ability to run scans when the computer starts up or on a set schedule
- A pop up blocker
Spy Killer offers a well-designed and easy-to-use interface with an exceptionally quick scanning time. However, it falls behind the higher ranked products because of the time between product updates.
Since computer threats are constantly evolving, the software that combats them must also constantly evolve. In order to keep software current, many of the leading programs are subscription based in order to support an update team to provide you with maximum security.
