Microsoft incorrectly detects Google Chrome as a trojan, removes "threat"

Summary: Microsoft has confirmed that its security tools erroneously removed the Google Chrome browser from Windows machines, marking it as a variant of the notorious Zeus (Zbot) malware family.

Faulty Microsoft AV update nukes Chrome browser | ZDNet

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hiddenknight821

blargoe wrote: »

Summary: Microsoft has confirmed that its security tools erroneously removed the Google Chrome browser from Windows machines, marking it as a variant of the notorious Zeus (Zbot) malware family.

Faulty Microsoft AV update nukes Chrome browser | ZDNet

Ha, thanks for the heads up. I'm actually on Chrome on my Windows 7 machine with MS Security Essentials installed as I'm typing this. So, when the browser disappears, I know what's up.

SephStorm

Amazing lol. Do they say why the detection engine flagged it? Another reason to turn off automatic updates... even for security software.

DevilWAH

It only affects people who have the "phone home stats" in google crome. If you dont have that enababled then it does not flag it up.

this conspicery theory is going to run and run though.. Surley its bad press for Microsoft and only highlights google crome in the news, would Microsoft really pull this stunt that if they thought through knew would look bad on them?

SephStorm

People have a bad track record of learning from the past... And FYI, how do you disable this functionality in chrome?

Zartanasaurus

Looks like Microsoft is the only one able to properly detect the Skynet virus.

Cthu1hu

This issue was fixed same day:

On September 30th, 2011, an incorrect detection for PWS:Win32/Zbot was identified and as a result, Google Chrome was inadvertently blocked and in some cases removed. Within a few hours, Microsoft released an update that addresses the issue. Signature versions 1.113.672.0 and higher include this update. Affected customers should manually update Microsoft Security Essentials with the latest signatures. After updating the definitions, reinstall Google Chrome. We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused our customers.

Microsoft Malware Protection Center