Microsoft aquires security software firm Komoku
By Ken Mitchell
Anti-Rootkit vendor Komoku Inc. is the next to be gobbled up by the latest software giant’s buying binge. Microsoft plans on adding the rootkit detection functionality to it’s Forefront enterprise security products, and to the Windows Live OneCare suite.
Komoku is noted for doing work for the US Department of Homeland Security and the US Department of Defense. “Komoku’s cutting-edge expertise and technology will benefit our customers by adding to the robust protection of our anti-malware solutions and help maintain our leading position in anti-malware research and development,” says Ryan Hamlin, general manager, Access and Security Division, Server and Tools Business at Microsoft.
“I’m excited about the Komoku team joining Microsoft and building on our successes in detecting sophisticated rootkits for customers,” said William A. Arbaugh, president and CTO of Komoku. “Microsoft’s commitment to building the next generation of malware detection is very strong, and we at Komoku look forward to continuing the tremendous progress Microsoft has already made in the anti-malware space and building the anti-malware products that can handle today’s sophisticated threats.”
The Komoku name and product line will eventually be retired as the company winds down its affairs after closing. The majority of Komoku’s staff will join Microsoft in the Access and Security Division. Financial terms of the acquisition were not announced. The deal was completed March 19, 2008.
Rootkits became widely known when Sony BMG began secretly installing hidden software on PCs when users would play music CDs on their windows machines. The intent was to enhance copy protection, but the malware caused a major uproar in the community.
Komoku was founded in 2004, and was privately owned.
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