Microsoft launches beta of next Security Essentials

FLOGGER OF INSECURE SOFTWARE Microsoft has declared the availability of its refreshed Security Essentials anti-malware service.

Microsoft said that its Security Essentials will let people protect their computers against viruses, spyware and other malicious software, so long as it is running a genuine copy of Windows, which otherwise is known for being rather friendly to malware.

Additional features include integration with Windows firewall, which probably should have been considered before, and improved protection for web-based threats. Of course, this should go without saying as, although most anti-malware tools are updated infrequently, malware is created with the rapidity of baby rabbits.

Microsoft has added a new protection engine, which it claims offers improved detection and cleanup and helps protect users against attacks aimed at its web browser or operating system.

The Vole says it has also improved protection against network-borne attacks, although this will only work on Windows Vista and Windows 7. This is because it uses the Windows Filtering Platform, which is lacking in Windows XP.

The beta is being released on a limited, first come first served basis, so try not to all rush at once.

Perhaps unwisely, considering that this is a beta and a Microsoft one at that, and there could be malware writers reading, Microsoft spokesvole Brandon LeBlanc, added, "I've already commenced with beta testing for Microsoft Security Essentials - I am running it on all my PCs at home!" We're glad he's so enthused about it, but then he would be, wouldn't he. µ