As a result of the acquisition of Giant, announced yesterday, Microsoft announced that, within a month, it will have available to users of software Windows new tools for removing spyware, based on the solutions of the company purchased.
This tool, available for Windows 2000 and later versions of the operating system, will be able to detect spyware installed on the computer and subsequently allow the user to delete those files. It can also prevent attempts to install this type of software which records for third parties the movements of those who surf from the PC.
Microsoft has indicated that it plans to offer applications based on Giant’s technology to protect PCs using its operating system as a complement to the security offering available in Windows Service Pack 2. So, although the future security tool is initially free, computer giant does not rule out the possibility of charging for the following versions. «We will be considering the issue of pricing and licensing,» said Mike Nash, one of the company’s vice presidents, quoted by the Associated Press.
«THE spyware is an increasingly serious problem and our customers have made it clear that they want Microsoft to have effective solutions «, said the same responsible. It should be noted that Internet Explorer, the browser Microsoft, has been heavily criticized in recent months for its security vulnerabilities that allow viruses and other computer threats to enter.
Interestingly, Microsoft’s acquisition of Giant came alongside the announcement of Symantec’s purchase of Veritas Software (see Related News), which also decided to strengthen its security portfolio.
Related News:
2004-12-17 – Symantec buys company specialized in file recovery solutions
2004-12-13 – New browser AOL-based Internet Explorer pledged for early 2005
2004-11-24 – Security flaw can bypass download warnings in IE
2004-09-03 – Cleaning of spyware facilitates installation of Service Pack 2
