Microsoft launches security solution for home PC users

Software giant Microsoft today launched a security solution for its Windows operating system in the Indian market.

'Microsoft Security Essentials', which was launched in September globally, would be available free of cost to all genuine Windows users and provide anti-virus, anti-malware and anti-spyware solutions.

"As threats like phishing, malware and spyware attacks are evolving, an effective security solution has become paramount to consumers. We have anticipated consumers' security needs and delivered a hassle free and non-intrusive form of protection to PC users," Microsoft India Consumer and Online Marketing Officer Rishi Srivastava told PTI.

Microsoft Security Essentials include tools for checking computers for infections by specific and prevalent malicious software, weekly update on Tuesdays automatically when connected to the Internet as well as validation of Windows software.

"The new offering is targetted at the home user, who often gets confused by the huge number of security solutions available in the market," Srivastava said adding that Microsoft continues to offer separate security solutions for its enterprise clients.

With a burgeoning online population of 49 million Internet users in India, threats such as hacking and phishing have also risen, which has led to financial losses to consumers as well as companies.