Microsoft today officially announced Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE), its free, real-time consumer antimalware solution for fighting viruses, spyware, root kits, and Trojans. Currently being tested by Microsoft employees and a select few testers, MSE is Microsoft’s latest offering intended to help users fight the threats that plague Windows PCs.

The Microsoft Security Essentials public beta will be made available in the US, Israel, and Brazil on June 23, 2009 for the first 75,000 users. This is a target number, but Microsoft is willing to increase it if necessary.  A version of the beta will ship to China in about 30 days as well, as confirmed from Microsoft .