Microsoft opens the Gates to free anti-spyware
Microsoft opens the Gates to free anti-spyware
Feb 16, 2005: Bill Gates has announced that Microsoft will release a new version of Microsoft Internet Explorer for Windows XP Service Pack 2 with expanded anti-spyware technology for free.
Speaking at the RSA Conference 2005, Gates added that Internet Explorer 7.0 will also provide even stronger defences against phishing, malicious software and spyware, with the beta released due out this summer.
The free anti-spyware software which will be available to licensed Windows customers will offer them the ability to detect and remove spyware, continual protection that helps guard against more than 50 ways that websites and programs can put spyware on a PC, and protection against the latest threats through the combined efforts of the SpyNet community and Microsoft researchers.
Gates said: "Customers are concerned about the risk malware poses to their personal information, and frustrated by its impact on the reliability and performance of their computers.
"We are responding by making security easier and more cost-effective for Windows customers, helping to protect millions of people who are vulnerable today."
Gates also talked about how Microsoft's security investments will help business customers to better protect their systems from constant threats. Last month, Microsoft started to ship a malicious software removal tool, which detects and removes threats made by the likes of Netsky, Korgo and Zafi viruses. Since January 11th, 2005, it has been used on more than 133 million PCs around the world.
Gates added: "Our primary goal is to improve security and safety for all our customers, consumers and businesses, regardless of size, through a balance of technology innovation, guidance and industry leadership. We're committed to continued innovation that addresses the threats of today and anticipates those that will undoubtedly emerge in the future."
In regards to Microsoft's plans to acquire Sybari Software, which provides solutions to protect messaging collaboration servers from malicious software, Gates said that when the acquisition is completed, Microsoft intends to ship a an engine based on the GeCAD technology bought in 2003, as one of the multiple scanning engines supported by Sybari's flagship Antigen software.
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