Malwarebytes and We-Care.com

I recently got hit with We-Care.com malware, and Malwarebytes was no help whatsoever. After several days of trying several other posted solutions, I used RevoUninstaller to get rid of the program. That seems to have taken care of it. Recommended.

But this may be why MBAM didn't detect the bug: seems that Malwarebytes is actively supporting the distributor!

http://www.we-care.com/Merchants/Malwarebytes

Most of you will know that We-Care.com is a well-documented nuisance, with hundreds of postings in this forum and hundreds more on Malwarebytes own' forum.

Can't imagine what MBAM was thinking when they signed that agreement. What a shame!

 

We-Care.com could not be uninstalled through the default windows uninstall settings. That's why I used RevoUninstall.

The problems with We-Care.com are widely documented, there's no point in reiterating them here. IMHO they are unethical and I will not be supporting them or any company associated with them.

You are free to choose otherwise.

 

I am choosing not to support We-Care.com or any of the associated merchants listed on it's website. You are free to choose otherwise.

 

Seems to me like the OP is just trying to say that it is surprising that Malwarebytes supports anything bundleware. In OP's first post, I didn't see anything stating how the program got there or even that it wasn't OP's fault that it was there, only that distribution of this software that is widely reported as a nuisance is being supported by Malwarebytes and that OP is surprised about that. Where does OP fault come into play with that? I mean, Malwarebytes exists so that PCs will run better and more securely. Many users are saying this software, even though maybe not malware, causes problems on their system. Honestly, it does surprise me, too, that Malwarebytes is supporting this. I do find the information interesting.

BTW, I realize and live with the fact that bundleware is in many/most installers these days. MGs does everything possible to help users avoid problems with bundleware, and I really respect that. However, it's also easy to understand for me how someone could make a mistake and install bundleware somehow. I mean, it is very crafty how it is placed, the gajillion threads around the net testifying of such. That makes me feel like we should just stick to helping as much as we can here on the boards at MGs and focus on helping the OP find solutions where they are requested. Educating helps when it comes to bundleware, but, you know, new inexperienced users are coming along every day, who will make this mistake as long as there is such a thing as bundleware. This is an easy mistake to make for an experienced user if in a hurry, or if user doesn't install alot of software. It's easy to forget about the bundleware routine. Just telling someone that it's their fault that bundleware is on their PC doesn't help anyone, especially with a post like this where the OP is clearly just seeking to update users.

I am too a little bit surprised Malwarebytes allows their name to be attached to really anything, honestly. The program is a straight malware fighting tool and the purest form of such, I would say. I really feel they should just let the software speak for itself, especially when it comes to appearing to support controversial software. This won't affect me using Malwarebytes should the need arise, but OP is certainly entitled to quit using the program if he chooses. I don't think he will be chopping off his nose to do so. Seems like kind of a sensationalistic or hyperdramatic comparison to me.

By the way, most malware is put on PCs by the user, too...not just bundleware or adware. Seems to me there is the implication in this thread that Malwarebytes should get an award for not targeting adware, or that anything Malwarebytes doesn't remove should be considered perfect, simply because everything else is the user's fault. Just strange to go that way, when users are really responsible for the presence of most malware (in one way or another), too.

No need to hate on anyone for mistakenly installing some adware or bundleware. That's really all I am saying, basically...

 

Thanks AtlBo, you've said it far better than I could! As consumers, we all have choices to make. Whenever possible, I try to support companies that behave ethically and avoid those that don't. Sometimes that's inconvenient, sometimes I end up with slightly inferior and/or more expensive products. Hey, that's life, y'know?

I'm not saying that Malwarebytes is unethical, but I believe they've associated themselves with a company that is. MBAM may be the best on the market, but they're not the only one so I've decided to explore the alternatives.

There's no doubt that I should be more careful about what I download and install. But I also believe that Malwarebytes should be more careful about who they associate their product with. Perhaps they will recognize that they've made an error in judgment and all will be well again. Time will tell!

 

JoeRay12...

Yes, but if you were a new PC user and this got dropped on your PC during a program installation, how would you feel about that? That's the main question I see being raised. I mean there is at least somewhat of an ethics issue about bundleware. Practical reality is, yes, you have to be careful. But why? Because developers are trying to sneak programs onto your PC. Is there any other explanation? I can understand the distaste for that, even if I need the software I am intending to install.

It is not a huge issue with me for sure, but if "We care" is installing as bundleware, I would retract my sponsorship if I were Malwarebytes. I agree with the OP on that point all the way. MBAM should be held to that kind of standard imo, but that's just because security is such an important issue with PCs...

 

Yes, that's exactly it, AtlBo! MBAM and other security companies should be held to a reasonably high standard. And IMHO, Malwarebytes' association with We-Care.com just does not meet that standard.

And the thing is, I'm not a new PC user. I'm well aware of the risks out there. But maybe I was tired, maybe I had a bad day and wasn't paying attention to what I was clicking on, who knows?

What is certain is that it took several hours over several days to get We-Care.com uninstalled. That's not unusual. And that's not acceptable.

 

MichiganIT...

Agreed and thanks for the info.

Not to pour on the point, but I think this perhaps sums up the issue with We Care:

http://malwaretips.com/blogs/we-care-com-removal/

and

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...l/58aa89bd-d77a-4dbf-919e-961acd708e14?page=2

The second thread is a thread of users who had the same problem, and there are a good many other mentions across the net of users who don't know how they acquired the program.

Seems to me if they want to do charity work, We Care should try another approach. Installing the software as bundleware is surely giving the enterprise a bad name and reputation. In that light, I feel MBAM should reevaluate their sponsorship of the organization, no matter what is its stated purpose for being there...

 

Maybe the OP should rethink this, as this is a tech site, take a look at the We-Care 'supporters' on this list (click the (See all Electronics Merchants...)): http://www.we-care.com/Category/Electronics

Are you also planning to campaign against them? How about all the other Merchants in the other categories?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affiliate_marketing