Microsoft Corp.'s Windows AntiSpyware technology has been renamed "Windows Defender" and has been expanded to detect and remove rootkits, keystroke loggers and other forms of malware. The revamped application will be bundled into the Windows Vista operating system, but users will be free to choose a competing spyware protection product from a redesigned Windows Security Center.

Jason Garms, group program manager for Microsoft's anti-malware technology team, made the announcement in a blog entry that also included confirmation that rootkit detection will be fitted into the product. As previously reported, Microsoft will use rootkit detection technology from its Strider Ghostbuster research project. Strider Ghostbuster is a prototype tool developed by Microsoft's Cybersecurity and Systems Management Research Group.

Full story: eWEEK