March 20th, 2008
Microsoft acquires rootkit specialist Komoku; DoD now a customer
Microsoft on Thursday acquired Komoku, which provides rootkit detection software, for an undisclosed sum. Komoku’s technology will be added to Microsoft’s enterprise-focused Forefront and Windows Live OneCare security software.
Komoku counts the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense as customers and gives Microsoft’s anti-malware lineup a boost.
The startup was founded in 2004 and funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) with about $2.5 million. Komoku’s technology trolls for any operating system abnormalities that could be tied to rootkits and collects forensic evidence.
Also see: Microsoft inches toward public beta of ‘Stirling’ security suite
The deal is a good one for Microsoft. In one swoop, Microsoft acquires some high profile security customers in the U.S. government.
William Arbaugh, an expert on rootkits and CTO at Komoku, said in a statement that the majority of Komoku’s staff will join Microsoft’s Access and Security Division. The company’s product line will be absorbed into Microsoft.
More background on Komoku:
Larry Dignan is Editor in Chief of ZDNet and Editorial Director of ZDNet sister site TechRepublic. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
