Emsisoft has released Emsisoft Anti-Malware 9.0, a brand new version of its dual-engine anti-malware tool for Windows users. Version 9.0 sports a major facelift, improved performance and “hundreds of detail improvements” for better usability.

To celebrate the release, users have a nine-day window in which to purchase 12 month’s protection for the special introductory price of just $9.99, a saving of 75 per cent on the usual MSRP.

The biggest change in Emsisoft Anti-Malware 9 is the most noticeable: a completely retooled user interface, inspired by the Windows 8 look. The tool is split into four broad sections: protection, scan, quarantine and logs, and has been redesigned to provide a more user-friendly and minimalist experience with clear colour-coded warnings to mirror the suite’s own “fast and lean” approach.

Emsisoft Anti-Malware 9 aims for simplicity with its new user interface.

Performance is enhanced throughout the suite thanks to plugging of various resource leaks, internal optimizations and more efficient memory usage. All components also benefit from taking advantage of internal security enhancements found in modern Windows versions such as ASLR and DEP.

The anti-malware tool employs a dual-scanner engine for greater protection, and version 9 comes with the twin promise of greatly increased scan speeds while also offering better detection and thorough removal, even of the latest threats.

The dual-scanner engine is one of three layers of protection offered by the program, the other two being Surf Protection (protection against malicious websites, both within and without browsers) and Behavior Blocker (protection based on behavioural analysis to help spot even brand new threats). Version 9 comes with the promise of greatly improved performance from the Behavior Blocker’s cloud-assisted detection tools, which Emsisoft promises translate into fewer false positives and more accurate malware classification.

The update is rounded off with “hundreds” of usability improvements based on customer feedback, and optimised integration into Windows 8 and 8.1.

Emsisoft Anti-Malware 9.0 is available now as a trial download for PCs running Windows XP or later. Users with a valid license can upgrade to the new version for no charge for the remainder of their subscription, while a single-PC, one-year license can currently be purchased for just $9.95 from the Downloadcrew Software Store, a saving of 75 per cent on the MSRP. Please note this offer is valid through June 27^th.