Second security rival knocks Microsoft antispyware app

21.02.2007

Over the past year, various analysts have pegged stand-alone antispyware software as a dead end, primarily because Microsoft gives away Defender and bundles it with Vista. Other factors accounting for the prediction include the move toward comprehensive suites from the likes of Symantec Corp. and McAfee Inc. that boast spyware detection as well as antivirus scanning.

Windows Defender recently came under increased scrutiny for a flaw in the malware-scanning engine that drives it and all other Microsoft security software. The bug, which was disclosed Feb. 13 in the month's regularly-scheduled patch update, was fixed for most users -- including those Windows Vista -- by automatic upgrades that actually began arriving on PCs in late January.

A Microsoft spokesman could not be reached for comment.

Defender can be downloaded free of charge for Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 from the Microsoft Web site.