Microsoft reveals anti-spyware beta and malware removal tool

Anti-virus imminent?

Microsoft has released the beta version of its new anti-spyware tool, Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware, along with indications that the release of an anti-virus product may be imminent.

The beta version of Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware comes three weeks after the company's acquisition of anti-spyware firm GIANT Company Software Inc. and is now available as a free download from the Microsoft website.

In addition, the company has announced that the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool will be made available as part of Microsoft’s monthly update cycle, beginning on 11 January.

The tool, which removes malicious software from computers, is designed to augment traditional anti-virus solutions - the company advises customers to continue to use traditional anti-virus software in addition to this tool.

According to Microsoft, the tool has been developed using the knowledge and technology gained through the company's acquisition of Romanian anti-virus firm GeCAD Software in 2003.

Since the acquisition of GeCAD, the AV industry has been waiting to see what Microsoft's second attempt at entering the anti-virus field will bring.

Rich Kaplan, vice president for Microsoft's security business and technology unit, confirmed the company's intentions to sell its own anti-virus product: 'We will have a stand-alone antivirus product that is one of the things you can buy from Microsoft, but we're not announcing anything today.'

The wait continues.

6 January 2005

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