Microsoft has launched Microsoft Security Essentials, a new anti-malware service that helps protect consumers against viruses, spyware and other malicious software. The new service, which is available as a free download is independently certified by West Coast Labs and is backed by the company’s global security response team.
The new anti-malware service is designed to run in the background alerting users only when there is an action for them to take. It also limits CPU and memory usage, resulting in less impact on the tasks consumers perform every day such as opening documents or browser windows or loading search results, even on older or less powerful PCs, said the company.
According to the company, Microsoft Security Essentials uses real-time protection to help prevent PCs from becoming infected, and it is the first security product to make use of the company’s new Dynamic Signature Service, a technology that helps ensure users stay protected by the most current virus definitions available without having to wait for the next scheduled download.
Microsoft said that with the launch of the new service, it hopes to encourage broader adoption of anti-virus protection across the consumer audience, which in turn will help increase security across the entire Windows ecosystem. For business customers, Microsoft continues to offer Forefront Client Security, providing centralised, comprehensive management and reporting capabilities.
Amy Barzdukas, general manager for consumer security at Microsoft, said: “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 “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.”
Microsoft Security Essentials will be available for Windows XP SP2 or SP3, Windows Vista and Windows 7 including Windows XP mode on both x32 and x64 PCs.
Microsoft Security Essentials will be available in eight languages and 19 countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the US.
