IObit

IObit is a California-based software company that develops and publishes system utilities and security software. It has multi-platform projects for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Android and iOS operating systems with products including Advanced SystemCare, Driver Booster, IObit Malware Fighter, MacBooster and Advanced Mobile Care.

History

Founded in 2004, the company originally introduced Advanced SystemCare. After 2007, the company started to expand its product line. New products included SmartDefrag in 2008 and Game Booster in 2009. Since 2011 IObit added system utilities for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Android and iOS operating systems. In 2012 it launched Advanced System Care Ultimate 6 and Advanced Mobile Care for Android, and, in 2013, Driver Booster, IObit Uninstaller, and Mac Booster.

Malwarebytes conflict

On 2 November 2009 in a Malwarebytes Forum post, a Malwarebytes employee accused IObit of incorporating the Malwarebytes anti-malware databases into their own anti-malware programs, MalwareFighter and Iobit Security 360. Suspicion was triggered when employees at Malwarebytes came across an IObit forum post regarding a Malwarebytes key generator that IObit MalwareFighter had detected which was flagged using a name format similar to Malwarebytes'. Malwarebytes added a harmless file to their database which, although not malicious, was detected and reported as a threat by IObit's software under a similar name. Malwarebytes VP of Development, Doug Swanson, later verified the claim made by the Malwarebytes Forum post. Malwarebytes also claimed that IObit was also stealing antivirus databases from other security vendors. During this period, IObit denied all accusations and removed all critical IObit forum posts. Notable references are The Malwarebytes Forum,^[1] ComputerWorld,^[2] Softpedia,^[3] CNet,^[4] and The Bleeping Computer.^[5]

References