Chrome Labeled As Malware by Microsoft Security Essentials

Published on 10-02-2011 07:20 PM

If Microsoft Security Essentials just picked on your Google Chrome and labeled it as malware (PWS:Win32/Zbot), don’t trust it, it’s a fluke. Google just released a new, unplanned, minor build for Chrome and Microsoft issued a new set of definitions to correct the problem and apology.

Those affected by the issue are either unable to launch Chrome or to load new pages. The steps you have to take in this case are pretty simple and start with updating Microsoft Security Essentials signature. Next, you have to reinstall Chrome.

After all this, the anti-spyware definition for Microsoft Security Essentials should be 1.113.672.0 or higher, and Chrome’s version should be 14.0.835.187.

Some speculate this is a cunning strategy from Microsoft to put at least a temporary halt on Chrome’s increasing adoption rate. But let’s take it for what it is, a fluke and nothing more.

Categories:
Software

10 Comments

bobbintb - 10-02-2011, 08:38 PM
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and thats why i never used MSE. someone putting microsoft in charge of my computer virus protection, just seemed like a bad idea.

sandman_1 - 10-02-2011, 11:24 PM
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bobbintb - Today, 04:38 PMand thats why i never used MSE. someone putting microsoft in charge of my computer virus protection, just seemed like a bad idea.

LMAO. Let me guess, you go around wearing a tin foil hat?Been using MSE for months and never had an issue with it. I am running that version of Chrome and didn't have it once say it was a virus.

bobbintb - 10-02-2011, 11:32 PM
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Originally Posted by sandman_1

bobbintb - Today, 04:38 PMand thats why i never used MSE. someone putting microsoft in charge of my computer virus protection, just seemed like a bad idea.

LMAO. Let me guess, you go around wearing a tin foil hat?Been using MSE for months and never had an issue with it. I am running that version of Chrome and didn't have it once say it was a virus.

no, but as an it professional i know there are certain things that Microsoft really sucks at. ive used microsoft security products and antivirus/malware products and they are always a huge disappoint.

sandman_1 - 10-03-2011, 01:03 AM
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I've used Kaspersky, Norton, McAfee, and a few others. Can't really tell a difference between free and paid. To each his own I suppose...

mjmacky - 10-03-2011, 01:37 AM
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Actually MSE was long overdue, why didn't MS provide their own security software for so long? Anyways, a little while after its release, it was highly regarded. It ranked among the top of the legitimately free AV software you could run at the time. I don't know how it fairs nowadays.

duke0102 - 10-03-2011, 09:34 AM
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Originally Posted by mjmacky

Actually MSE was long overdue, why didn't MS provide their own security software for so long?

I was talking to an MS rep a while back and it seem to be something to do with there partnership with Norton if I remember right.
Not too long ago my pc got hit with some malware or similar that was spamming out from my hotmail account. The strange bit was that I have a hotmail account with firefox and one with chrome but only the email account with chrome was effected

unclemilty74 - 10-03-2011, 12:38 PM
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[QUOTE=duke0102;3617844]

Originally Posted by mjmacky

The strange bit was that I have a hotmail account with firefox and one with chrome but only the email account with chrome was effected

I didn't think firefox OR Chrome owned hotmail... in case you didn't know it is possible to log in to hotmail from any browser...

mjmacky - 10-03-2011, 04:16 PM
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Originally Posted by duke0102

The strange bit was that I have a hotmail account with firefox and one with chrome but only the email account with chrome was effected

This part confused me too. I'm kind of guessing that you are talking about 2 separate hotmail accounts, leaving yourself logged in on different browsers to manage each? MS owns hotmail.

duke0102 - 10-03-2011, 04:22 PM
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Originally Posted by mjmacky

Originally Posted by duke0102

The strange bit was that I have a hotmail account with firefox and one with chrome but only the email account with chrome was effected

This part confused me too. I'm kind of guessing that you are talking about 2 separate hotmail accounts, leaving yourself logged in on different browsers to manage each? MS owns hotmail.

Yes, 2 separate accounts. Sorry I didn't explain that too well.

Appzalien - 10-09-2011, 07:12 PM
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Well since Chrome is a Google app, and Google is well known for tracking your surfing, I don't see why MSE wouldn't want to warn you that your putting your privacy at risk. I use Google search all the time but I don't use it to search stuff I don't want tracked (ixquick). And for that reason I don't think I want them to have control of my browser too. Besides I tried Chrome and I was very disappointed in its GUI. Those that love it can have it, be my guest.