Microsoft has announced its plans to use artificial intelligence to create the next generation of antivirus software. This is to be included in the upcoming Windows Fall Creators’ update, levelling up Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, a Windows10 enterprise service that flags early signs of infection.
In order to prevent another global malware crisis (like the WannaCry ransomware attack), Microsoft says the upcoming update will use data from its cloud programs such as Azure, Endpoint and Office to create an artificial intelligence antivirus that is much better at preventing cyberattacks.
Rob Lefferts, director of program management for Windows Enterprise and Security said that about 96 percent of cyberattacks use new malware. With Microsoft’s researchers working at their fastest pace, it can take a few hours to develop protections from the first moment they detect the new malware. By the time they’re done, the malware might have already made its way to more computers.
So with Microsoft’s new defense system, a lot will be done in tackling detected malware early. One of the AI’s features is the ability to instantly pick up the presence of a new malware on a computer, which is then quickly quarantined in the cloud. Then a signature for its identity is created, so as to protect other computers from it.
The update will also bring new protections for the browser; but only for those using Microsoft Edge.
While ATP’s new security features will initially only be available to businesses and enterprise customers, CNET says Microsoft has plans to roll them out to all users eventually. Microsoft will release the Fall Creators’ preview between September and October – so these features will be available to some businesses and companies around that time.
