Anti-Spyware Becomes Windows Defender

Microsoft’s anti-spyware application is getting a new name and a new
delivery channel.

Windows AntiSpyware, which has been in beta since January, is now called Windows Defender. The application will also be part of the upcoming Windows Vista OS.

XP users need not worry, because it is also expected to be available as a
download for Windows XP. Jason Garms, the architect and group
program manager for Microsoft’s anti-malware technology team wrote in a blog
post that Windows Defender is more than just a name change from AntiSpyware.

“Windows Defender is about what Windows will do for customers, defending
them from spyware and other unwanted software,” Garms wrote. “Our solution
has really been about more than just the standard definition of ‘spyware.’
We’ve always said we will provide visibility and control, as well as
protection, detection and removal from other potentially unwanted software,
including rootkits, keystroke loggers and more.”

As part of the new Windows Defender, malware definition updates will be
delivered via Microsoft’s Windows Update service. Garms also explained that
Microsoft has improved malware detection in Defender, “by applying to
spyware threats all the great detection technology we use in our antivirus
engine.”

Microsoft blogger Steve Dodson noted in his blog post about Windows
Defender that, though it will be included as part of Vista when released,
users will be able to run a different spyware product if they so choose.

“The really cool thing is that the Windows Security Center in Vista will
be redesigned to detect if an anti-spyware application such as Windows
Defender is running and operating normally,” Dodson wrote.

Garms noted in his posting that work and testing on Windows Defender has
already been completed and the newly branded application is now “making its
way” into the main build system.

Microsoft recently re-branded its OneCare beta to Windows OneCare Live and has also launched a Windows Live Safety Center beta as part of its Windows Live initiative.

A Microsoft spokesperson explained to internetnews.com that select
enterprise customers started to see the Windows Defender name on Windows
Server Update Services (WSUS) on Nov 4.

The spokesperson also noted that Microsoft plans to release an updated
version of the software to current Windows AntiSpyware beta users prior to
the Dec. 31 expiration date to ensure that customers do not have a lapse
in their spyware protection.