What does Malwarebytes do with quarantined files?

Answered by Jason Smith

When Malwarebytes detects and quarantines malicious files on an endpoint, it takes a careful approach to handle these files. Instead of simply deleting them, Malwarebytes copies and encrypts the files and relevant registry settings into a designated quarantine folder on the endpoint.

The quarantine process serves two important purposes. First, it ensures that the detected files are isolated and cannot harm the system or spread further. Second, it allows users or administrators to review and potentially restore or delete the quarantined files if necessary.

The Quarantine page in Malwarebytes OneView provides an organized index of each item that has been quarantined on the endpoint. This index typically includes information such as the file name, location, date of detection, and the threat name or type. Having this detailed information helps users or administrators make informed decisions about what actions to take with the quarantined files.

Restoring a quarantined file means bringing it back to its original location on the system. This action can be useful if a file was mistakenly detected as malicious or if it is required for the proper functioning of a legitimate program. By restoring the file, you essentially reverse the quarantine process and allow the file to be used again.

On the other hand, deleting a quarantined file permanently removes it from the system. This action is typically taken when the file is confirmed to be malicious and there is no intention or need to restore it. Deleting quarantined files helps ensure that any associated threats are eradicated from the system.

It is important to note that quarantined files are encrypted for security purposes. This encryption helps prevent unauthorized access or tampering with the files, ensuring that they remain isolated and harmless. The encryption also adds an extra layer of protection against potential attacks that may try to exploit the quarantined files.

In my personal experience, Malwarebytes has proven to be effective in detecting and quarantining malicious files. The Quarantine page in Malwarebytes OneView provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to manage and review quarantined items. Being able to restore or delete files from quarantine gives users or administrators control over the security of their systems.

Malwarebytes handles quarantined files by copying and encrypting them into a designated quarantine folder on the endpoint. This approach allows for safe isolation of detected threats while providing the flexibility to restore or delete files as needed. By prioritizing security and user control, Malwarebytes ensures that quarantined files are effectively managed to protect endpoints from potential harm.