Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method, and computer-readable medium for identifying and removing active malware from a computer. Aspects of the present invention are included in a cleaner tool that may be obtained automatically with an update service or may be downloaded manually from a Web site or similar distribution system. The cleaner tool includes a specialized scanning engine that searches a computer for active malware. Since the scanning engine only searches for active malware, the amount of data downloaded and resource requirements of the cleaner tool are less than traditional antivirus software. The scanning engine searches specific locations on a computer, such as data mapped in memory, configuration files, and file metadata for data characteristic of malware. If malware is detected, the cleaner tool removes the malware from the computer.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to malware detection using code analysis and behavior monitoring. In aspects, an anti-malware engine performs static analysis on program code and monitors behavior of the program code that is exhibited when the program code executes in a virtual and/or non-virtual environment. The anti-malware engine combines the results of both types of malware detection to determine whether the program code includes malware. The anti-malware engine may use feedback from one or more of the malware detection mechanism to direct additional malware detection (e.g., static and/or behavior detection) for the program code.