McAfee Loses Another to Microsoft

Microsoft reported late Monday that yet another former McAfee virus expert will join the company. He will fill the position of senior security researcher.

Jimmy Kuo will join fellow former McAfee alumnus Vincent Gullotto as part of Microsoft's Security Research and Response team. Gullotto was hired last month as the general manager of the team. (Source: ZDNet.com)

The Security Research and Response team operates under Microsoft's Security Technology Unit, responsible for securing Microsoft products, including the Windows operating system. (Source: news.com)

Kuo formerly worked in McAfee's AntiVirus and Vulnerability Emergency Response Team (AVERT) Labs since its launch in 1995. His move to Microsoft highlights the company's new focus on the consumer security software business. (Source: sda-india.com)

A representative for the software giant released the following statement: "Microsoft is very pleased that Jimmy Kuo has joined the company as a senior security researcher with the Security Research and Response team. Microsoft looks forward to his contribution to its efforts to help protect customers from evolving threats." (Source: news.com)

Earlier this year, Microsoft entered the home computer security market by launching Windows Live OneCare, a comprehensive security and maintenance package; the company's entrance into the market made it a competitor of McAfee.

Microsoft aims to differentiate itself by offering a more holistic product than those offered by competitors like McAfee and Symantec. For example, Windows Live OneCare does not charge for extra features. The company describes OneCare as "a pit crew for your PC." (Source: news.com)