Malwarebytes installation question

[DaveWT]

I had been using the free version of Malwarbytes for a long time, running it only on occasion. I finally follow all the good advice and step up to the paid version and installed it a while ago. But today, for some reason, I started to doubt how I have it installed. While the menu bar item is there, if I go up to it I have to pull down to choose to "Open Malwarebytes". So I started wondering whether I am not really protected unless I do that. So I decided to add Malwarebytes to my login items but when I restart, the MWB screen opens up and I have to deal with it. I thought I was smart and went back to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items and checked the little box to hide the application when I log in, but upon restart the MWB screen still opens up and I have to deal with it.
1. Why didn't that checkmark make a difference?
2. Do I have to have the MWB app open (and seen as open in the Dock) to get the full, ongoing protection of the paid MWB?

 

[Cougurr]

Dave
I can only answer part of your question based on my use of Malwarebytes paid version.

Once the MWB program has been activated by its "key" the program runs in the background and also scans at the appointed time each day as you have indicated in the Scan section of the three panel window that opens when you select the icon in the upper menu bar.

Real-Time Protection is what you have paid for and both the Malware protection and App block should be listed as "On" ( I have not ever got up to watch what happens at 4 AM which is the time I have set to do the scan).

IF you select the centre panel of the open MWB's window and ask for a "Scan", when it is finished the new window gives you a Scan summary and at the top left "Scanner" will have a dark blue line under it. To the right will be the option "Reports". Click on "Reports" it will open a list of scheduled scans it has done on its own and also any manual scans you have requested. I do not elect to Delete all but at the top again select "Scanner" and it takes you back a window where you can select the big blue Button "Done", then normal Quit Malwarebytes.

I have not asked Malwarebytes to be a "login start up item" and every time I open MWB's via its icon it tells me Real Time protection is on. The reports list tells me that my daily scans are done and any results displayed also. (Fortunately nothing so far,which is GREAT.) I take it on faith the background protection is active, but perhaps Chas can tell us both how we would see another way to confirm this, perhaps activity monitor??

I would personally remove Malware bytes completely from your login startup list and not try to control it from this location. I feel all you are doing is automatically opening the program Malwarebytes on login, which is the same as you selecting the icon to open it from the top menu bar.

You only needed to open it when it was the free version from the menu bar to run a manual scan when you elected to. Now with the paid version you don't need to do this regularly other than to look at reports or manually run a scan if suspicious of some problems occurring with your machine.

 

[DaveWT]

IF you select the centre panel of the open MWB's window and ask for a "Scan", when it is finished the new window gives you a Scan summary and at the top left "Scanner" will have a dark blue line under it. To the right will be the option "Reports". Click on "Reports" it will open a list of scheduled scans it has done on its own and also any manual scans you have requested. I do not elect to Delete all but at the top again select "Scanner" and it takes you back a window where you can select the big blue Button "Done", then normal Quit Malwarebytes.

I would personally remove Malware bytes completely from your login startup list and not try to control it from this location. I feel all you are doing is automatically opening the program Malwarebytes on login, which is the same as you selecting the icon to open it from the top menu bar.

Wow, Colin, What a thorough and helpful answer! Following your guidance, I have confirmed that all the automatic scans have be happening (before I added MWB to my login items) and therefore have now removed MWB from my login items. It has found nothing to save me from, so far (great news) but nice to know it is looking after me, in spite of myself.

Thank you so much for taking the time for such a great reply.

Dave