Microsoft releases Security Essentials 2

Nearly 5 months after arriving in beta form, Microsoft has released version 2 of Security Essentials (MSE), its anti-malware and virus protection software for Windows formerly known as Morro. The major update comes over one year after version 1.0 was released and includes a number of new features and improvements.

Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0 features a new anti-malware protection engine with enhanced detection and clean up capabilities, better Windows Firewall integration, as well as enhanced protection for web-based threats through its integration with Internet Explorer. Other changes include improved overall performance and a network inspection system for protecting against network-based exploits. However, the network inspection system feature is not enabled on Windows XP as it requires the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) in order to run, which is only available in Vista and Windows 7.

Microsoft Security Essentials 2 is available to download for Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, Windows Vista and Windows 7. Small businesses can install MSE on up to 10 Windows PCs free-of-charge – the application has always been free for home (personal) use. The company has also released the 2010 edition of its Forefront Endpoint Protection solution aimed at corporate customers.

See also:

• Microsoft says botnets widely distributed, a report from The H.
• Microsoft Security Essentials - 1 year on, a report from The H.
• Microsoft Security Essentials free for small businesses, a report from The H.

(crve)