Microsoft sneaks out Security Essentials 2.0

By Barry Collins on Dec 21, 2010 10:23 AM
Filed under Security

Includes revamped anti-virus engine and firewall integration.

Microsoft has quietly issued a second version of its free Security Essentials suite.

The software was slipped out without any press release or announcement on the Microsoft Security blog, despite containing a series of new features and improvements.

Although users would be hard pressed to notice any visible changes, there has been notable work taking place beneath the surface.

The antivirus engine has benefited from the same upgrade applied to Microsoft's paid-for Forefront Client Security suite for businesses.

The new engine offers "efficient threat detection against the latest malware and rootkits" and "protection against 'unknown' or 'zero day' threats through behaviour monitoring and emulation", according to Microsoft.

One reason why Microsoft might not have decided to draw attention to the upgrade is the new integration with the Windows Firewall. Users are now asked whether they want to turn on the Windows Firewall during installation, dragging Security Essentials closer to becoming a full fledged security suite, rather than the standalone antivirus app it was originally.

Rival security firms Panda and Trend Micro recently complained about Microsoft's "anti-competitive" behaviour with Security Essentials, after the software was included in Microsoft Update. Panda called for a Windows security ballot, similar to the one offered for internet browsers.

Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0 is available for download here. It was not currently being offered via the software's own upgrade mechanism.

This article originally appeared at pcpro.co.uk

Microsoft sneaks out Security Essentials 2.0

1 comment in this discussion

"I remember back with the Windows Live OneCare software which was the precursor to MSE, was released was about $90 for 3 PC's for one year - a subscription based service. I too was surprised that ..."

By ADSLNerd

Tags

microsoft, sneaks, security, essentials, 20

Microsoft to patch three critical flaws in May

Chinese firm leaked RDP exploit code

Microsoft tool mistakes Chrome for malware

CrimTrac bolsters controls for anti child abuse database

Breaking Stories

Hackett steps down from Internode

ACCC approves Optus NBN deal

Australia shares $2bn Square Kilometre Array

RIM to cut 2000 jobs

NSW retains right to veto data centre co-tenants

Comments: 1

ADSLNerd

Dec 27, 2010 4:32 AM

I remember back with the Windows Live OneCare software which was the precursor to MSE, was released was about $90 for 3 PC's for one year - a subscription based service. I too was surprised that MS had decided to shelve this product and replace it with a free version called MSE. In the tests I have performed in comparison to "paid" applications form Norton / Panda / Kapersky / Avast, etc MSE has outperformed virus / malware detection and removes them quicker as well.

Additionally, the memory footprint and application footprint for MSE is very low compared to other "paid" applications. The best feature of MSE is if you need to shut it off you just right-click and choose Exit - no complex routines to try to shut the application down, and some paid "applications" hide the "exit" feature in the application, where you have to almost use End Task to kill off the TSR / EXE file.

The other "paid" application companies are naturally very worried about MSE because its free. Why would you pay for an application from another company when MSE is equivalent or better at no cost - no wonder they are worried and throw around the term "anti-competitive". These other companies are crying poor mouth and I support Microsoft's decision to release this free application. Now if only other companies would follow Microsoft's ideas for once.