HitmanPro

HitmanPro is a second opinion malware scanner developed by Sophos. It is designed to detect and remove viruses, trojans, rootkits, spyware, and other malicious software that may have bypassed other security solutions. Unlike traditional antivirus programs that require constant updates, HitmanPro primarily utilizes cloud-based scanning technology. This means it sends samples of suspicious files to Sophos's servers for analysis, leveraging a vast and continuously updated database of threats.

The software can be run as a portable application, meaning it doesn't require installation and can be executed directly from a USB drive or downloaded on demand. This makes it a useful tool for cleaning infected systems or for performing quick scans without altering the primary antivirus software. HitmanPro employs multiple detection engines, including Sophos's own, to increase its effectiveness. It also uses behavioral analysis and machine learning to identify new and emerging threats.

HitmanPro offers both a free trial version and a paid subscription. The free version allows users to scan their systems and identify malware, but removing it requires a purchase. The paid version provides the ability to remove detected threats and also includes features like proactive ransomware rollback. It is often recommended as a supplementary tool to a primary antivirus solution, providing an extra layer of security.