Microsoft launches spyware and virus killers

February 2005 Information Security

Microsoft has launched two new solutions that will provide added protection against spyware and malicious software. Customers now can download the first beta version of Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware, a solution that will help protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. In addition, the Microsoft Windows malicious software removal tool, which complements traditional antivirus technologies by removing prevalent viruses and worms from a PC is also available.

"Customers have told us that they need solutions that make it easier to keep computers protected from emerging and ever-changing threats," said Mike Nash, corporate vice president of the Security Business and Technology Unit at Microsoft. "These solutions will offer customers additional resources to help to protect their PCs against spyware and viruses on an ongoing and predictable basis."

Windows AntiSpyware Beta

Based on technology acquired from GIANT in December 2004, 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 unauthorised use of private information. It is available for Microsoft Windows 2000 and later versions.

A critical aspect of any antispyware solution is the ability to determine which programs are truly unwanted - a challenge compounded by the continual distribution of new spyware and other unwanted software. With Windows AntiSpyware, the worldwide SpyNet community plays a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. A voluntary network of users, SpyNet helps uncover new threats quickly to ensure that all users are better protected. Any user can choose to join SpyNet and report potential spyware to Microsoft.

Windows AntiSpyware enables customers to do the following:

* Detect and remove spyware. Known spyware can be quickly and easily removed from a PC.

* Improve Internet browsing safety. Continuous protection guards more than 50 ways websites and programs can put spyware on a PC.

* Stop the latest threats. Signatures for new spyware identified by the SpyNet community and Microsoft researchers can be automatically downloaded to a PC, helping to stop new threats quickly.

Malicious software removal

Update: For a selection of the latest malware removal tools, please see http://ctech.link/remove-spyware

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Microsoft launches spyware and virus killers

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