Microsoft will include antivirus software in Windows 8

REPORTS COMING IN from Microsoft's BUILD conference showcasing Windows 8 to software developers this week claim that the upcoming operating system will bundle in an antivirus feature.

According to ZDNet, the Redmond software giant plans to implement anti-malware functions of its Microsoft Security Essential (MSE) product into Windows Defender, the anti-spyware component that has been enabled by default in Windows ever since Vista.

Microsoft has not yet confirmed this rumour, but if it's true the decision will cause a lot of controversy and probably lead to fresh antitrust allegations against Microsoft, as happened with Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player.

From a consumer's perspective, the move could have both good and bad consequences. Security experts agree that any antivirus protection is better than none.

"Anything which encourages Joe User to run up-to-date anti-virus software has to be a positive thing. There are too many poorly protected home computers out there, which have been commandeered into botnets," said Graham Cluley, a senior technology consultant at antivirus vendor Sophos.

On the other hand, bundling a free antivirus solution with Windows could discourage users from trying out other, possibly better, products. If this happens, it's not only a matter of antivirus companies losing customers, but also the risks created by having many computers running the same antivirus product.

"If most budget-conscious home users stick with Microsoft's built-in offering, then surely the first thing the bad guys will do is make sure their latest creation can slip past Microsoft's scanner," points out Cluley. The end result will be a large number users who believe they are protected, but are in fact easy targets.

However, it's unlikely that other antivirus vendors will stand by and let this happen without a fight. If Microsoft does go forward with this idea, it will probably be forced to implement a system similar to the web browser choice screen that is shown to users in Europe. But displaying all options could be problematic, because there is a lot of diversity in the antivirus world.

Update
Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 8 will be able to detect all forms of malware out of the box.

"We have made many investments in security in Windows 8, building upon the work done to improve security in Windows 7.

"This work included engineering system changes to find and prevent defects, low-level security features such as Secured Boot to help defeat classes of threats, and user facing features including Windows Defender and SmartScreen. All of these investments give us great confidence that Windows 8 will be the most secure operating system we've produced," a Microsoft spokesperson told The INQUIRER. µ