Security in the cloud is a big deal for both customers and enterprises, and solution providers have started to take note.  Microsoft is one of them, now that it said that Windows 8 will be shipping with some features of Security Essentials built in.  To be more specific, malware detection (including the kind delivered via bootable USB drive),   firewall, and parental detection features will be fused into Windows Defender.  This can simplify the need to handle with PC security for millions of users if proved effective, but it does come with a couple of cons.

“One possible downside of including a single antivirus package in with millions of Windows installations is that it could create a security monoculture where the majority of systems are protected by a single application. Attack that one application, and it could be jackpot for the bad guys.”

There’s also the fact this is not good news for  the AV industry, considering that many customers who don’t think themselves  power users will have even less incentive to download third party security software.  The consumer side, especially the mobile space, is one area where security means everything. It is, however, a very significant one for Microsoft and others, whose booth in the Build conference was over-flooded by attendees as it was handing out Windows 8 powered Samsung  tablets. Hopefully the OS will have better luck in this area than RIM’s PlayBook. The company sold about 500,000 units in  its first full quarter of sales, or about 1 PlayBook for 19 iPads sold, according to Bloomberg.

The enterprise is also realizing the value, and more importantly the neccesity in security. C-rank execs from major tech companies gathered in the closed-door Advanced Persistent Threats meeting held in Washington by TechAmerica and EMC’s RSA, and discussed the security breaches their individual companies have experienced from an insider’s perspective.  Some executives are even overconfident about their security.

Indeed, demand for more and more effective security offerings is growing. That helps to further drive this market, which has attracted a host of new players. HP is one of them – the tech giant launched its latest security software just two days ago.