Microsoft has finally released the much awaited free security software which it claims will protect computers against viruses, spyware and other malicious codes. "With Microsoft Security Essentials, consumers can get high-quality protection that is easy to get and easy to use, and it won't get in their way. Consumers have told us that they want the protection of real-time security software but we know that too many are either unwilling or unable to pay for it, and so end up unprotected," said Amy Barzdukas, General Manager for Consumer Security, Microsoft.
Almost 90 percent of the computers in the world use Microsoft windows and through this software Microsoft wants to provide free protection to these computers. Microsoft said the software would be available on the website to anyone who wanted to use it.
There is no registration required but the only condition involved is that the system should be using genuine windows operating system. This free software is called as Security Essentials and is designed to run behind the scenes, defending machines against infection by malicious computer codes.
"Microsoft is helping to reduce some of the barriers that constrain consumers from running (anti-virus software)," said IDC Security Analyst Jon Crotty. "Microsoft is focused on the challenges that prevent consumers from running up-to-date anti-virus software today, particularly in emerging markets where there is a growing prevalence of malware."
However, there are many rival security companies which are raising concern over the defending capabilities of this software. Symantec says that this free software is lightweight and isn't tuned for new forms of attack being used by hackers. "From a security perspective, this Microsoft tool offers reduced defenses at a critical point in the battle against cyber crime. Unique malware and social engineering tricks fly under the radar of traditional signature-based technology alone - which is what is employed by free security tools such as Microsoft's," said Symantec.
There is also a concern that this software can be used as a platform by Malware writers to spread their content to larger audience.
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