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Every time Microsoft attempts to secure a product, another one seems to come under attack.

Such is the case with Microsoft's new anti-spyware tool, which currently resides in beta format. A Trojan, designed specifically to attack Microsoft AntiSpyware, was discovered by Internet security firm Sophos.

According to their report, the Trojan tries to stifle messages issued by AntiSpyware and attempts to delete the program files in its folder.

"This appears to be the first attempt yet by any piece of malware to disable Microsoft AntiSpyware, but it may be the first of many such future attacks," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. "As Microsoft's product creeps out of beta, and is properly released and is adopted more by the home user market, we can expect to see more and more attempts by Trojan horses, viruses and worms to try and undermine its effectiveness."

Sophos experts have warned that, besides disabling Microsoft's anti-spyware product, the Trojan horse also targets users of UK online banks such as Barclays, Cahoot, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds TSB, Nationwide, NatWest, and Smile.

"More and more malware is being written by criminals, designed to steal bank account information from innocent computer users," continued Cluley. "All internet users need to ensure their computers are properly defended with the latest up-to-date protection software, and make sure they are not putting themselves in jeopardy."

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