Microsoft tags Gmail as a virus

Microsoft's Windows Live OneCare security software incorrectly flagged Google's Gmail email service as a virus.

From late last week until Sunday night, a warning popped up when OneCare users opened the Gmail website, telling them that their systems were infected with a virus called 'BAT/BWG.A'.

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A Microsoft representative said on Monday: "This was a limited false positive issue with our antivirus protection. After we became aware of the issue, we released a new antivirus signature that resolved the issue for our customers on Sunday evening."

The problem started last week, when Google made some changes to its Gmail website, Microsoft said. The software maker is reviewing its procedures and processes in order to minimise the occurrence of further false positives, the Microsoft representative said.

Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Joris Evers writes for CNET News.com