SpyHunter (software)

SpyHunter is currently at version 5, and receives daily definition updates. SpyHunter has a free version, which allows the user to scan their computer. Purchase is required to remove found malware.[1] EnigmaSoftware also offers a service on its website called "ESG MalwareTracker", it shows the most infected countries where SpyHunter has detected malware.[2]

In the paid version, the user is able to receive support from a built-in HelpDesk.[1] SpyHunter also has a custom fix from the Spyware Helpdesk team.[3]

• PC Magazine gave SpyHunter a 2 out of 5 star rating in March 2004, saying it was good at spyware detection, but complained about the performance and usability.[4]
• PC Magazine gave SpyHunter a "GOOD" rating, 3 out of 5 stars, in March 2016. The reviewer concluded, "Enigma SpyHunter 4 does what it promises, eliminating active malware and killing malware that launches at startup. But competitors deliver much more."[1]

In February 2016, Enigma Software filed a lawsuit against Bleeping Computer, a computer support website. It alleged that the latter engaged in a smear campaign with the purpose of driving potential customers away from SpyHunter to affiliate competing products.[5] In turn, Bleeping Computer filed a lawsuit against Enigma Software also for an alleged smear campaign.[6] In March 2017, Enigma Software announced in a press release that a settlement had been reached in the lawsuit against Bleeping Computer, and that both cases would be dismissed.[7]

In October 2016, Enigma Software filed a lawsuit against popular security software vendor, Malwarebytes, for anti-competitive behavior. The lawsuit arose after Malwarebytes' software began targeting SpyHunter as a potentially unwanted program.[8] On November 7, 2017, Enigma's case was dismissed by the US District Court.[9] Engima appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the court reversed the lower court's decision.[10] A panel of judges voted 2-1 that, "We hold that the phrase "otherwise objectionable" does not include software that the provider finds objectionable for anti-competitive reasons."[10] Despite this, Malwarebytes won the case on its merits[11] after the Supreme Court denied their writ of certiorari on the immunity issue.[12]

SpyHunter is often labeled an Potentially Unwanted Program due to its misleading results of always showing infections, including on clean computers, and injects tracking cookies into a users browser, raising concern whether it is legitimate or not. The company also floods web search results when searching for a specific threat, linking a download to SpyHunter, even if the product is not able to remove it.