Article by George Norman

On 30 May 2011

Redmond-based software giant Microsoft announced that it updated its free and portable malware scanner, the appropriately named Microsoft Safety Scanner. This new version brings with it two new features. The first feature is support for 64-bit versions of the Windows operating system.

As a little side note, in Microsoft Security Intelligence Report volume 10, Microsoft explains that fewer infections were recorded on 64-bit versions of Windows compared to 32-bit versions that this could be explained by the fact that more tech-savvy users get 64-bit operating systems. Volume 10 (get it here) is Microsoft’s most comprehensive global threat report to date, detailing in depth the state of software vulnerabilities, exploits, security breaches, and malware in 2010. The info has been gathered from more than 600 million machines from 117 countries.


Getting back to the topic at hand, the new version of Microsoft Safety Scanner comes with a second new feature: runs in “non-networked systems such as those behind an air-gap network, those within an ISPs walled garden, and those where the infection has impaired internet connectivity”.

The Microsoft Safety Scanner comes with the regular goodies we’re accustomed to; and the regular nasties.

Goodies
- Works with your existing antivirus product, helps remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. Use it to run on-demand scans to detect and remove security threats.
- It does not have to be installed; it is portable. You can take it with you on an USB stick for example, and you can run it without having to install it first.
- It is offered free of charge to Windows users.

Nasties
- Comes with a 10-day expiration date. 10 days after being downloaded, the Microsoft Safety Scanner will expire.
- It is not meant to replace antivirus products. If you need a free antivirus product that can provide real-time protection, get Microsoft Security Essentials, not Microsoft Safety Scanner. The later is only a scanner meant to work alongside an existing antivirus and provide on-demand scanning and help remove viruses and other security threats.

If you would like to get Microsoft Safety Scanner, you can get it straight from Microsoft here.
If you would like to get Microsoft Security Essentials, you can get it straight from Microsoft here.




Tags: Microsoft, Security, Microsoft Safety Scanner, Microsoft Security Essentials

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