14 DAY TRIAL // Windows Live OneCare is right on track to getting an Anti-Rootkit upgrade. Microsoft plans to added rootkit detection capabilities to its line of security products, but not only OneCare will be impacted by the change. The Forefront line of enterprise security solutions will also feature the added rootkit detection capabilities. The new anti-rootkit features come courtesy of security company Komoku, which Microsoft announced it has acquired as of March 20.
"Komoku has been a leader in the area of rootkit detection, doing work for ultra security-conscious customers such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense (DOD). Komoku's cutting-edge expertise and technology will benefit our customers by adding to the robust protection of our anti-malware solutions and help maintain our leading position in anti-malware research and development," stated Ryan Hamlin, general manager, Access and Security Division, Server and Tools Business at Microsoft.
Neither of the two companies disclosed the financial details of the acquisition. However, according to Microsoft, both the Komoku label and the product line will be retired as the solutions will be assimilated into OneCare and Forefront. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the U.S. Navy, the DHS and the DOD are some of the clients Komoku has been offering anti-rootkit products, so in this context the security company has a strong legacy which will live on with Microsoft's solutions.
"I'm excited about the Komoku team joining Microsoft and building on our successes in detecting sophisticated rootkits for customers. Microsoft's commitment to building the next generation of malware detection is very strong, and we at Komoku look forward to continuing the tremendous progress Microsoft has already made in the anti-malware space and building the anti-malware products that can handle today's sophisticated threats," added William A. Arbaugh, president and CTO of Komoku.