Installation
MZGuard IDS is designed to work alongside your existing antivirus. Follow these steps for a smooth installation.
Run Installer as Administrator
Right-click the installer and select "Run as administrator". MZGuard requires admin privileges for kernel-level protection.
Follow Setup Wizard
Choose installation directory and select components. Default settings are recommended for most users.
System Requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Disk Space | 100 MB | 500 MB |
| .NET Framework | 4.8 | Latest |
First Run
When you launch MZGuard for the first time, you'll see the initial setup wizard.
Welcome Screen
The welcome screen introduces you to MZGuard's core features and trial information.
Initial Baseline Scan
MZGuard will perform an initial scan to establish a security baseline of your system. This process:
- Catalogs all installed applications
- Creates fingerprints of legitimate processes
- Establishes network connection baselines
- Takes 2-5 minutes on most systems
Whitelist System
The whitelist system allows you to mark trusted applications, preventing false positives while maintaining security.
Adding Applications to Whitelist
Open Whitelist Manager
Click the "Whitelist" button in the sidebar or press Ctrl+W
Select Application
You can add applications by:
- Browse: Click "Add" and browse to the executable
- Process List: Right-click a running process → "Add to Whitelist"
- Alert: When an alert appears, click "Allow & Remember"
Configure Whitelist Entry
Choose whitelist scope:
- Executable Only: Trust this specific .exe file
- Publisher: Trust all apps signed by this publisher
- Folder: Trust all executables in this folder
Managing Whitelist Entries
The whitelist manager displays all trusted applications:
Edit Entry
Modify whitelist scope or conditions
Remove Entry
Delete whitelisted application
Export List
Save whitelist to JSON file
Import List
Load whitelist from backup
Protection Modules
MZGuard includes 24 real-time protection modules. Here are the most important ones:
Core Privacy Protection
Anti-Keylogger
Detects and blocks keyboard input monitoring attempts
Screenshot Protection
Prevents unauthorized screen capture
Camera/Mic Monitor
Alerts when camera or microphone is accessed
Clipboard Guard
Protects against clipboard hijacking
Advanced Threat Detection
PowerShell Blocker
APT-grade PowerShell attack prevention
YARA Engine
4-engine malware pattern detection
File System Monitor
Detects ransomware-like behavior
USB Protection
Scans removable media for threats
Dashboard
The main dashboard provides real-time security status and threat statistics.
Key Metrics
- Files Analyzed: Total files scanned since installation
- Threats Detected: Suspicious behaviors blocked
- Exploits Blocked: YARA rule matches
- Protection Status: Active/Disabled module count
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
False Positive Alerts
High CPU Usage
- Check if initial baseline scan is running (temporary)
- Disable real-time file scanning for development folders
- Reduce YARA scan frequency in settings
Service Not Starting
- Run as administrator
- Check Windows Event Viewer for error details
- Verify .NET Framework 4.8 is installed
- Reinstall MZGuard if issue persists
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to uninstall my antivirus?
No! MZGuard is designed to work alongside traditional antivirus software. It provides real-time detection and controls that complement signature-based protection.
How much system resources does MZGuard use?
MZGuard is lightweight, using approximately 50-100MB RAM and minimal CPU during idle. During active scanning, CPU usage may spike briefly.
Can I use MZGuard on multiple devices?
Free plan supports 1 device. Starter plan includes 3 devices, Professional up to 10 devices. See pricing for details.
How do I upgrade from Free to Starter/Professional?
Click "Upgrade Now" in the dashboard, or visit your account portal to manage subscriptions.