Microsoft Helps In Spyware Fight

Microsoft Corp. will give away software to battle spyware, adware and other privacy-invading pests, company co-founder Bill Gates said Tuesday.

In a speech to security experts, Gates said the programs, which users often accept when they install free software without reading its accompanying licensing agreements, are quickly becoming a major threat to computing.

Last month, the company released a free "beta," or test, version of Microsoft AntiSpyware, which was based on technology from a firm it had acquired in December. But until Tuesday, it did not say whether the technology would be free in the final release.

The software runs on Microsoft's Windows, which as the world's dominant operating system has been the primary target of spyware and related programs. Later versions of spyware programs have also taken advantage of known Windows flaws to sneak onto machines.

"Spyware ... is something we need to nip now," Gates said. "We made the decision that all of our Windows licensees should have that (antispyware) capability. I'm excited we got this technology and it addresses a burning need for our users."

Gates' remarks suggest users will have to confirm they're running a licensed copy of Windows before installing the final release of the antispyware program.

Gates also announced Microsoft will have by year's end a product to combat viruses and worms, though he offered no details, including whether a version of the software will be free. Microsoft has said that it plans some paid antivirus products. The move into the antivirus software business will pit Microsoft directly against companies that sell programs designed to shore up Windows.

Many of those rivals have recently jumped into the antispyware business as well.

Symantec Corp., for instance, has unveiled a new version of its corporate computer security software that promises not only to remove traditional viruses and worms but also adware and spyware. The updated programs are expected to be available next month.

"Customers are looking for spyware and adware protection from their antivirus vendor, a partner they trust," said Brian Foster, Symantec's senior director of product management for client and host security.

McAfee Inc., another antivirus company, also is putting a greater focus on spyware and adware with its McAfee Anti-Spyware Enterprise for corporations. It will be available March 2.

McAfee also is announcing that it will send out updates of its virus definitions on a daily, rather than weekly basis. The new program starts Feb. 24 for its corporate clients. The more frequent updates will be available for its retail software in about three months, Gullotto said.

Standalone antispyware programs are also available over the Internet, many of them for free.

Microsoft AntiSpyware includes a feature where users can submit information back to Microsoft so that it keeps up with the latest threats. Even in beta, Gates said, the Spy Net network has been incredibly useful.

"We get half million reports each day," he said. "That's the data we use to make sure we're on top of these things."

Meanwhile, Microsoft continues to be a target. Last week, a "Trojan horse" program was detected that attempts to shut down its antispyware program as well as steal online banking passwords.

"This particular attempt appears to be the first by any piece of malware to disable Microsoft AntiSpyware, but it may be the first of many such future attacks," said Gregg Mastoras, senior security analyst at Sophos PLC, a security firm.

Gates, who is now Microsoft's chairman and chief software architect, also said the company will make a paid version of its antispyware technology available to companies that need more advanced control over their systems.

Gates spoke at the RSA Conference, which is sponsored by RSA Security Inc. of Bedford, Mass.