Malwarebytes, recognized by CNET.com as one of the Best Antivirus Overall Editors’ Choice award winners, is extending a generous offer to students enrolled in colleges and universities across the United States. Through its Student Protection Program, the company is providing two years of complimentary access to its Malwarebytes Premium Security software suite, which can be utilized on up to three devices.
Comprehensive Security Solutions
Initially gaining acclaim for its malware removal capabilities, Malwarebytes has since evolved into a comprehensive antivirus solution, incorporating features such as phishing and scam protection, ransomware defense, and ad blocking. In a recent review by CNET, the testing team lauded Malwarebytes as “an excellent choice for anyone who wants reliable security software for three or fewer devices,” ultimately awarding it the prestigious Editors’ Choice badge, tying it with Bitdefender for the top spot in antivirus solutions.
The Student Protection Program is accessible to students aged 18 and older who are enrolled in accredited US colleges and universities. To qualify, students must possess a .edu or .college email address. While the program is currently limited to the US, there are plans for potential global expansion in the future. Students can verify their institution’s eligibility by entering their email address on the Malwarebytes website. For those whose schools are not listed, there is an option to request early access or to take advantage of a 50% student discount.
Features and Benefits
For eligible students, the program unlocks the full Premium Security Standard tier, which includes:
- Real-time malware and ransomware protection
- Phishing and scam detection
- Ad and tracker blocking
Malwarebytes suggests a configuration of one laptop, one phone, and one tablet, but students have the flexibility to allocate the three device slots as they see fit. Once the two-year period concludes, students can opt to continue using a limited free version that lacks features such as real-time protection, automatic updates, and scheduled scans, or they may choose to transition to a Premium subscription, currently priced at per year.
A Timely Offering for Students
The launch of this initiative coincides perfectly with the back-to-school season. As students settle into new environments, they often connect unfamiliar devices to new networks, download essential course software from various email links, and navigate phishing attempts masquerading as financial aid notifications or campus IT alerts. This landscape can resemble an information security minefield, adding to the already considerable stress of academic life. By providing free access to trusted security software, Malwarebytes aims to alleviate one aspect of the overwhelming experience that students face as they embark on their educational journeys.
