Microsoft rolls out AntiSpyware

SearchSecurity.com ^ | 06 Jan 2005 | SearchSecurity.com Staff

[Andy from Beaverton]

	Microsoft rolls out AntiSpyware
	By SearchSecurity.com Staff 06 Jan 2005 | SearchSecurity.com

	Windows users can now download the beta version of Microsoft's AntiSpyware, and a new malware-removal tool will be released Jan. 11, the software giant announced Thursday. "Customers have told us that they need solutions that make it easier to keep computers protected from emerging and ever-changing threats," Mike Nash, corporate vice president of Microsoft's Security Business and Technology Unit, said in a statement. "The solutions we're announcing today will offer customers additional resources to help to protect their PCs against spyware and viruses on an ongoing and predictable basis." He added that the new tools will build on the "advanced security technologies and proactive protection features of Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), which help better safeguard computers from hackers, viruses and other security risks." Based on technology acquired from Giant Company Software Inc. last month, the beta release of Windows AntiSpyware will "help reduce negative effects caused by spyware, including slow PC performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings and unauthorized use of private information," the company said. It is available for Microsoft Windows 2000 and later versions. Microsoft said the malware-removal tool consolidates other tools it has rolled out since last January. It will be updated each month on Patch Tuesday. "In January 2004 Microsoft released a series of removal tools, each of which targeted a single virus or worm and some of its variants," the statement said. "Collectively, these tools augmented existing antivirus protections by scanning more than 55 million PCs worldwide for viruses such as Blaster, MyDoom and Download.Ject. The new Microsoft Windows malicious software removal tool consolidates these existing removal tools into a single solution. The tool will be updated on the second Tuesday of each month as part of Microsoft's monthly software security update process to respond to new viruses, worms and variants."

[Tax Government]

[MS]...exposed their customers to operational and financial risks, risks that they have somehow avoided liability for.

I agree 100% with the proposition that Microsoft needs to be taken the mat, and be held accountable for putting its customers at risk through willful negligence. Any other company would have faced mountains of consumer litigation before now.

[Reagan Man]

MS won't be offering anti-spyware/anti-adware support for Win98/Win98SE. Go to javacool.com and download SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard. Good stuff and its free. In addition, go to Spybot S&D and download their latest version of free anti-spyware/anti-adware software.

[HAL9000]

Because Mac has so few users, that there are few hackers willing to waste their time bothering with it.

Rubbish. There are at least 25 million Mac users worldwide. The last Mac virus I saw happened about 15 years ago, and there are no Mac viruses in circulation now.

Mac OS X is designed to be a secure operating system, so we don't have to waste our time dealing with worms, viruses and spyware infections like Windows users do.

[woofer]

DSL Reports Port Scan

Thanks, Marty...

OUTPOST firewall keeps woofer's 'pooter stealthy.

[martin_fierro]

Huh! I just visited the site for the first time in awhile, and it looks like they've changed from Freeware to Free Demo. < |:(~

I might have an old Freeware version around here somewhere. FReepmail me your e-mail address if you want a copy.

[Tax Government]

The important thing to note is that most problems associated with IE are the result of Microsoft's own willful negligence. They deliberately chose to put out a browser-extension architecture that was flawed and easy to exploit. Why? Because they were in a race for market share with competitors (e.g., Netscape), and were willing to sacrifice the customer's welfare for their own enrichment. Do they have a right to sell software and profit? (YES.) Do we have a right to hold them to the same standards of consumer responsibility as, say, auto manufacturers? YOU BET! AND WE SHOULD, AND WILL!

[perfect stranger]

I'm well aware that they will soon stop offering most things for Win98SE. That's a shame because it's a fine and stable platform.

I plan on getting a new Dell machine (with my tax return) running WinXP and I would like to reformat 5 gigs of the drive just for installing the 98SE.

[Abcdefg]

I remember the good (?) old MS-DOS days and being dragged, kicking and screaming, to Windows 3.1. MS had 24/7 toll free tech support and they didn't care how you got your copy of windows.
They just wanted you to have it on your system. These guys know something.

[js1138]

Tried it last night. It found 17 files left behind by Spyware Bllaster, Spybot and AdAware.

I have been pretty much spyware free until I downloaded a game fron CNET, then all hell broke loose. I can't say on the basis of one day's use the the Microsoft product is great, but I have detected no bad side effects.

[PeaceBeWithYou]

Here's some more from Javacool Software.

SpywareGuard Real-time protection solution against spyware!

SpywareBlaster Prevents spyware from being installed.

[Reagan Man]

Just trying to help you out. Additional protection to Ad-Aware is a big plus.

[JoJo Gunn]

One can't help but notice how they've left the untold millions of 9x users out. But that's just fine with me. The computer world and it's antagonistic business practices against the consumer can kiss Old Rusty.

I'm not a "keep up with the Jone's" type, who just has to have the latest Big Brother security risk.

[HighWheeler]

"I tried out the beta version, and though it does have some bugs, it found and removed a trojan that the other well known anti-spyware applications couldn't find. Well done, indeed!"

MS loaded the "trojan" onto your computer with the beta version so that when they found the planted trojan you would feel impressed that their savvy and skill was well above the competition. Next you will pay for the software.

[FreeAtlanta]

I found 1 file, and I am a very careful web surfer.... and I also know a little about the inner workings of some of the spyware because I work in the registry a lot and have developed some browser helpers.

I am very pleased that Microsoft has written this release, and I have heard that they also plan to release their own free anti-virus software!!!! Way, cool :-)

[FreeAtlanta]

Tin Foil hat alert!!! lol, :-)

[perfect stranger]

Thanks Friend. I have no schooling but am abit computer savvy.

When I finally get some WinXP I'll start asking those questions.

[HighWheeler]

I don't use tin foil, it's too microscopically porous. Anyone who has a brain worth saving always uses gold plated sheets of lead to protect themselves.

[Fresh Wind]

Well, I have to retract my comment about getting something free from Microsoft. It looks like only the beta release will be free. If, however, the product outperforms the freebies, I will happily pay for it.

Having said that, if your claim that MS loaded the trojan onto my computer is accurate, then you should be able to tell me the name of the trojan because there would have to be many others with the same experience. What's more, if MS is as evil as you say it is, then they will probably have it rigged to show further "infections" as the days and weeks go by. We shall see.

If not, then try adding an additional layer of tinfoil or go back to finding lost votes in Ohio.

[Ole Okie]

Bookmark. BTTT.

[FoxInSocks]

Nice list. Thanks.