Microsoft security nirvana?
622272
Blog: Imagine configuring a security policy and having it enforced across the IT infrastructure? That's the aim of "Stirling," a new product unveiled at TechEd.
548753
(InfoWorld) - MicrosoftÂ finally rolled itsÂ Vista operating system out the door Tuesday, billing it as its most secure operating system ever, but what are the security features that will really matter to enterprise users? To answer this question, IDG News Service asked Russ Humphries, a senior program manager with the Vista security team, to list the three Vista features that will have the biggest effect. Here's his list: 1) UAC (user account control) Before Vista, Windows automatically gave users too much power over their systems, Microsoft has said. With UAC, Windows will require a few extra steps before the user can do things such as install new programs. The feature will make it much easier for corporate administrators to lock down desktops and prevent users, or malicious programs, from messing around with the system or installing unauthorized software. UAC has been one of Vista's most controversial features with early testers complaining that they were overwhelmed with pop-up messages warning them about every little change they made to the system. But these warnings will not slow down most enterprise users because they won't be installing device drivers or software, Humphries said. "Most corporate users are going to get a corporate image that will have all their applications already installed on the image," he said. 2) Windows Defender With Vista, Microsoft has built a defense against pop-up ads and unwanted spyware right into the operating system. AlthoughÂ Defender has been criticized for not being as effective as commercial products, the fact that it will be so widely deployed is bound to improve things. "Adware is a huge annoyance, a security risk, and a bit of a machine hog, " Humphries said. "This has benefits for home users, small and medium-sized enterprises, and even large organizations." 3) BitLocker There have been more than 100 million U.S. victims of data breaches over the past two years, according to Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. BitLocker aims to prevent the next 100 million from getting hit quite so quickly by giving corporate users a way to encrypt and password-protect their data. With BitLocker encrypting Vista's data, a stolen PC doesn't turn into a front-page data breach story,Â as was the case with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs last year. BitLocker can also ensure that the operating system hasn't been tampered with at boot-up time, but customers seem to particularly appreciate the fact that it will help keep their companies out of the newspapers every time a laptop is lost. "I've had a lot of thank-yous from our customers," Humphries said.
214305
Could integrating antivirus software into Windows be the key to solving Microsoft&#39;s security woes or could the technology create more problems than it solves?
663754
Microsoft has confirmed the existence of a vulnerability affecting the Windows Shell. The issue exists in the WebViewFolderIcon ActiveX control, and exploitation could result in an attacker gaining the same rights as a local user.
494474
Microsoft&#39;s Internet Explorer, used on a machine with the Mozilla Foundation&#39;s Firefox browser installed, can create a pass-along security breach, according to security researchers.
32227
Computer giant Microsoft has fully rolled out its crucial security update to computers running its Windows XP. Last week, it &quot;soft launched&quot; Service Pack 2 (SP2) security update, making it available for some
196278
Windows users will have another tool for protecting their PCs.
204651
This is pretty interesting, seems as though Microsoft has acquired an anti-spyware company noone&#39;s ever heard of. I know spyware and adware removal software is big business now but I&#39;ve never heard of Giant Company Software Inc.
321704
Security-focused Windows XP update can be tough on applications. Guidelines are meant to help professionals "test and mitigate."
409252
The MSN Toolbar Suite is built on the current Windows security and privacy model. Microsoft officials said the tool respects the privacy of multiple users on a single PC by using the Windows
74903
Microsoft releases two free programs designed to help users keep PCs secure of viruses and spyware.
631605
Microsoft can't stop crowing about new Vista security features. But the system still has holes. Here's how to plug them.
22550
Microsoft has released 10 software security patches for its products, including seven it deemed critical and that could allow remote attackers to take control of systems running the company&#39;s software.
13352
While security experts applaud Microsoft&#39;s recently released Service Pack 2, some companies that distribute their software over the Web are watching the product&#39;s introduction with dread and suspicion.
156003
Quocirca's changing channels With the launch of its Forefront security product range this week, Microsoft has deployed its tanks on the lawns of Symantec, McAfee and many other IT security vendors. So is it time for resellers to entrust Microsoft with all their customersâ IT security needs and kiss goodbye to their current security partners?â¦
529035
According to Microsoft&#39;s Trustworthy Computing Group, the software giant&#39;s latest operating system is far more secure than competing platforms -- or even previous Windows iterations.
648643
This article discusses current trends in penetration testing for web application security, and in particular discusses a framework for selecting the best tool or tools to use for these increasingly common type of application.