Microsoft Security Essentials & ForeFront Client Security Definition Updates October 30, 2014

Microsoft Security Essentials has been declining on AV-Tests for years and Microsoft is beginning to show neglect in keeping up with the competition.

In 2009, Microsoft made a risky jump into the antivirus industry when they released Microsoft Security Essentials. The program received good praise initially and early tests proved that Microsoft’s new antivirus client was just as effective as it’s paid competitors. But Microsoft Security Essentials has received more than a few poor scores and ratings over the past few years. Microsoft went from offering customers an impressive antivirus program, to offering a ‘baseline’ antivirus in a short period of time.

Here’s the thing with antivirus programs that most computer users don’t quite understand, most of them are pretty much the same. Though there is a difference between the good and bad programs, which can only be defined by a programs ability to quarantine and eliminate any imposing threats. Security is a constantly changing field and an antivirus program can easily fall behind if it’s not kept up to date. Independent testing organizations, such as AV-Test and AV-comparatives should regularly be consulted by computer users. This will ensure that you are regularly aware of the upcoming programs and top shelf antivirus’ available each year.

Microsoft Security Essentials is still considered a simple antivirus and as I previously said, simple just isn’t sufficient in a field that is always changing. Every year there are more methods and ways of attack discovered. Phishing is the most common, an attack on your PC to steal passwords or credit card information by posing as a business or authority. Most programs worth paying for offer anti-phishing features, Microsoft Security Essentials does not. Features other programs also provide are a secure file shredder, cloud powered spam protection and a tool for removing threats like rootkits. The last thing I will add to convince you to change Microsoft Security Essentials is a bit of common sense once you figure it out. Microsoft has become the most popular target of malware and viruses. Just look at how many devices run on Microsoft’s operating system. Once they released Microsoft Security Essentials, the antivirus program automatically became the main target of trojans and viruses.

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