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Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0 Released
Version 4 of Microsoft Security Essentials was released Tuesday, and it comes with improved detection capabilities, automatic remediation functionality and a streamlined interface system.
Malware reporting is also receiving a facelift with the addition of Microsoft Active Protection Service. Previously called SpyNet, this service will automatically send a message to Microsoft on the nature of malware the moment it's discovered on a system.
According to software analysis firm OPSWAT, Microsoft's Security Essentials came in at second for North American antivirus market share with 14.92 percent -- less than two points below the top-used antivirus software from Symantec. This last quarter saw Security Essentials overtake AVG for that second slot.
However, for successful detection rates, antivirus software testing company AV-Comparatives ranked Microsoft last out of 15 antivirus makers for total detection rate. According to the company, Microsoft's Security Essentials only detected 93.1 percent of viruses. The leader was G DATA, which detected 99.7 percent of all incidents.
The release version of Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0 will be automatically updated for those who participated in the beta test. For everyone else, it can be downloaded here.