Microsoft is expected to release a beta version of its
first dedicated anti-spyware package on 16 January, a month after
acquiring anti-spyware company GIANT.
The anti-spyware will be released to users of Windows 2000,
Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 for their evaluation.
The software will use GIANT’s signature database technology, to
protect, detect and remove new and modified spyware threats as they
are unleashed on the internet, Microsoft said.
Spyware code is inadvertently downloaded by users when they
visit some websites, and is used by advertisers to track sites
visited by users or hackers attempting to glean sensitive user
information. The processing code can also degrade the performance
of users’ machines.
The move by Microsoft is designed to complement the increased
security features bundled in its Windows XP Service Pack 2
software, which includes a pop-up stopper and a feature for
Internet Explorer which prevents a user’s taskbar being taken over
by spyware and adware programs.
Mike Nash, Microsoft corporate vice-president of the security
business and technology unit, said, "Spyware is a serious and
growing problem for PC users, and customers have made it clear that
they want Microsoft to deliver effective solutions to protect
against the threat."