Microsoft releases new anti-malware tool vs rootkits

Microsoft has made available a tool that can make a bootable USB drive or disc to help remove malicious or unwanted software, including rootkits.

 

But Microsoft said that while the new "Defender Offline Beta" is available for download at its site, the tool's definitions must be updated regularly.

 

"Windows Defender Offline Beta can help remove such hard-to-find malicious and potentially unwanted programs using definitions that recognize threats. Definitions are files that provide an encyclopedia of potential software threats. Because new threats appear daily, it is important to always have the most up-to-date definitions installed in Windows Defender Offline Beta. Armed with definition files, Windows Defender Offline Beta can detect malicious and potentially unwanted software, and then notify you of the risks," it said.

 

To use Windows Defender Offline Beta, a user can download the software and create a CD, DVD, or USB flash drive [file].

 

A user should then restart his or her PC, booting from the Windows Defender Offline Beta media, then scan the PC for malicious and other potentially unwanted software.

 

Microsoft said the blank media must have at least 250 megabytes of free space to download the tool.

 

"We recommend that you download Windows Defender Offline Beta and create the CD, DVD, or USB flash drive on a PC that isn't infected with malware – the malware can interfere with the media creation," it added. — LBG, GMA News