Microsoft scrambled earlier today to revise an antivirus definition file that deleted Google's Chrome browser from users' PCs.
"Wow, that's certainly one way to win the browser war," said Andrew Storms, director of security operations at nCircle Security.
Storms was referring to the battle between Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) and rivals, including Chrome, for usage share. According to data from one Web metrics firm, Chrome will pass Mozilla's Firefox as the second-most-popular browser by the end of this year, pitting Google and Microsoft for the top spot.
Chrome users began reporting the specious detection of the browser early Friday in a quickly-growing thread on a Google support forum.
"This morning, after I started up the PC, a Windows Security box popped up and said I had a Security Problem that needed to be removed," said someone identified as "chasd harris" in the first message of the thread. "I clicked the Details button and saw that it was 'PWS:Win32/Zbot.' I clicked the Remove button and restarted my PC. Now I do not have Chrome. It has been removed or uninstalled."
Scores of others reported the same behavior on their Windows PCs running Microsoft's Security Essentials -- its free, consumer-grade antivirus software -- as well as Forefront, the antivirus product designed for enterprises.
Microsoft issued a corrected definition file around 10 a.m. PT Friday, about three hours after users began reporting the false positive on Google's support forum.
Several bloggers, including ZDNet's Ryan Naraine and Ed Bott, reported the problem earlier today.
Microsoft has acknowledged the gaffe, and said approximately 3,000 users were affected.
Fuckheads
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
whoops. looks like MSE screwed with my install too. I did get a forced reboot today due to an update
2013 BMW 328i M Sport with 8sp in Estoril Blue II
2012 Chrysler 300C SRT8 - Always bet on black
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Edition, otherwise known as the MW3 (and badass)
There are a couple of reasons not to run AV, none of which I believe 99% of people have.
I run this at home, but not at work
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
ElZorro wrote:I wonder how many zeros there were in the check that M$ already put in the mail to Google to keep a law suit out of the press.
The first hit is free, it's the follow on that you have to watch, haha.
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
Fuckheads
