Microsoft in quandary over virus security

**MIG-31** · Feb 22, 2005, 04:57 PM

SEATTLE - If Microsoft Corp. doesn't do more to stem Internet attacks, the company risks further alienating customers unhappy with the multitude of threats already facing its ubiquitous software. Sell its own security products, on the other hand, and Microsoft faces a potential backlash from some of its allies - the companies that now provide an extra layer of security for its Windows operating system, Internet Explorer browser and other products.

With a powerhouse like Microsoft becoming a direct competitor, they could get squeezed out.What a quandary.

Last week, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates confirmed plans to sell antivirus products to both consumers and big businesses by the end of the year. But the Redmond company is mum on cost and features.

Speaking at a security conference, Gates also said the company would give consumers a free tool for combating spyware, a pesky and growing threat that can monitor users' activities, hinder computer performance and create other hassles. Microsoft also will sell a more sophisticated antispyware product to businesses.
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Read More: AP Wire

Matth · Feb 23, 2005, 06:10 PM

Just cleaned out a bad case of "Search assistant"
http://www.short-media.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18846
This hijack is also known as:

- Only The Best
- Home Search Extender
- Shopping Wizard
- res://****.dll/index.html#***** (or simply res .dll)

It's a really nasty piece of scumware, with multiple re-infection methods - in fact, no, this is NOT just Spyware, this is a VIRUS, In this case, it appeared to be part of, or covering for, an additional virus attack.

We should not NEED to buy tons of other products, or scout for freeware, to protect the browser against this kind of abuse.

Feb 22, 2005, 04:57 PM	#1
MIG-31 HardwareHeaven News Mod Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Nottingham,UK Posts: 56,860 Rep Power: 471 System Specs	Microsoft in quandary over virus security SEATTLE - If Microsoft Corp. doesn't do more to stem Internet attacks, the company risks further alienating customers unhappy with the multitude of threats already facing its ubiquitous software. Sell its own security products, on the other hand, and Microsoft faces a potential backlash from some of its allies - the companies that now provide an extra layer of security for its Windows operating system, Internet Explorer browser and other products. With a powerhouse like Microsoft becoming a direct competitor, they could get squeezed out.What a quandary. Last week, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates confirmed plans to sell antivirus products to both consumers and big businesses by the end of the year. But the Redmond company is mum on cost and features. Speaking at a security conference, Gates also said the company would give consumers a free tool for combating spyware, a pesky and growing threat that can monitor users' activities, hinder computer performance and create other hassles. Microsoft also will sell a more sophisticated antispyware product to businesses. _______________ Read More: AP Wire __________________ Please Post Your News Submissions Here

Feb 23, 2005, 06:10 PM	#2
Matth Flash Banner Hater Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 93 System Specs	Just cleaned out a bad case of "Search assistant" http://www.short-media.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18846 This hijack is also known as: - Only The Best - Home Search Extender - Shopping Wizard - res://**.dll/index.html#*** (or simply res .dll) It's a really nasty piece of scumware, with multiple re-infection methods - in fact, no, this is NOT just Spyware, this is a VIRUS, In this case, it appeared to be part of, or covering for, an additional virus attack. We should not NEED to buy tons of other products, or scout for freeware, to protect the browser against this kind of abuse.