Rootkit Drama Continues, Microsoft Takes Action
Microsoft's security tools will be updated to detect the controversial Sony BMG copy protection software installed on PCs when some audio CDs are played, the software giant said over the weekend.
The Redmond, Wash.-based developer joins other security vendors -- including some which acted a week earlier -- to label the copy protection as spyware.
"We have analyzed this software, and have determined that in order to help protect our customers we will add a detection and removal signature for the rootkit component of the XCP software to the Windows AntiSpyware beta," wrote Jason Garms, the group program manager for Microsoft's anti-malware team, on his blog Saturday.
"Rootkits have a clearly negative impact on not only the security, but also the reliability and performance of their systems," added Garms.
Microsoft plans to update Windows AntiSpyware, it's stand-alone spyware sniffer, and Windows Live Safety Center, a free online anti-virus service it launched earlier this month. No date was given for the availability of either update.
