Microsoft antivirus nixes Google Chrome browser

An issue with Microsoft’s Security Essentials suite mistakenly identified Google’s Chrome browser as a password-stealing Trojan and removed the program. Microsoft acknowledged the problem and traced it to a faulty definition file, and apologized for the error after posting the appropriate fix. “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," Microsoft said. PWS:Win32/Zbot is a password-stealing trojan that monitors for visits to certain websites. It allows limited backdoor access and control and may close certain security-related processes. Microsoft said signature versions 1.113.672.0 and higher include this update. It advised affected customers to manually update Microsoft Security Essentials with the latest signatures, then reinstall Google Chrome. “We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused our customers," it said. But a separate article on tech site ZDNet said Microsoft’s response did not immediately provide any guidance for Forefront customers who have been affected by this issue. “This certainly isn’t the first time a defective antivirus signature has created some havoc among Windows users. Remember the episode from April 2010 involving a McAfee definition that erased a key Windows system file and bricked many thousands of enterprise systems worldwide?" it said. — TJD, GMA News