Are you suddenly getting a lot of alerts from your Malwarebytes app? Are Google’s own websites and services suddenly not working, maybe even the Google Chrome browser? It’s not just about you.
Many Malwarebytes users are currently experiencing these issues, and currently there is only one solution – disabling the software entirely. The question is, where is the problem? Is Google really compromised or is Malwarebytes just broken?
To update: Malwarebytes has announced that the problem is now resolved and a software update has been released. However, some people are still reporting problems. If you’re having trouble, try updating your copy of Malwarebytes.
Malwarebytes is a well-known program that protects users from malware and viruses. It offers real-time protection as well as the ability to scan for malware. If files are found to be infected, they can be quarantined. Normally this program works great, but it certainly doesn’t work today.
Hundreds of Malwarebytes users turned to Twitter, Reddit and the official Malwarebytes forums all reporting the same issue: All Google services are currently blocked as malware. Visiting websites like Google search engine, Gmail, Google Docs or Sheets, or even YouTube results in dozens of Malwarebytes pop-up messages, all stating that the website has been blocked due to malware.
But it doesn’t stop there. Some users including myself have experienced blue screens when trying to open Google Chrome. Other browsers work fine, but they still don’t load Google websites, so it seems the problem only affects Google products.
It’s worth noting that Google services work fine on devices that aren’t running Malwarebytes, and will work again the moment you disable the software. Therefore, it is almost certain that the problem lies with Malwarebytes. Before updating the software, many users did not have this problem, so there may have been a buggy patch floating around that is floating around now.
Here’s how to fix it
We are aware of a temporary issue with the web filtering component of our product that may be blocking certain domains, including https://t.co/LnURsrOUW1. We’re actively working on a fix and will update Twitter as soon as we have more information.
– Malwarebytes (@Malwarebytes) September 21, 2022
Malwarebytes has announced that it is aware of the issue and is “actively working on a fix”. However, it was not announced when this fix might come. Until that happens, many are frustrated.
If you want to solve this problem, the only current solution (also recommended by Malwarebytes) is to disable web protection. To do this, simply open Malwarebytes and then turn off on the right side of the app real-time protection. Did not work? Quit Malwarebytes completely. If that doesn’t help, you may need to restart your computer and/or router after disabling Malwarebytes.
Obviously, this isn’t ideal – you’ll be left without one of your computer’s most important defenses if Malwarebytes is your usual go-to place. During this time, be particularly careful and do not visit websites that could be dubious. Check out our list of the best antivirus software if you want to make sure you’re protected in the meantime.
Hopefully Malwarebytes will release an update soon and this issue will be fixed. Keep an eye on those Malwarebytes Twitter account if you want to download your patch as soon as possible.
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