Microsoft security

McAfee: Microsoft Visa a security risk

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 06:59:59 -0500

Are you worried about Microsoft Vista's security? You probably should be. Criticism of Microsoft's latest Windows operating system has been common, especially with regard to security. Now McAfee, an intrusion prevention and security risk management company, has identified Vista as one of 10 pending security threats in the coming year. Vista was not alone on the list. CIOs need to sit up and take note about all of these warnings.

The other threats include continued distribution of malicious software and data mining of personal information through popular online applications such as MySpace and Monster.com. Increased proliferation of Storm Worm, a malicious program that began infecting computers in January 2007, remains a threat. And don't forget viruses spread through Instant Messaging programs. What CIO does not have Microsoft Vista in his shop or plans to get it as soon as the program expands? It may be a big issue for every CIO system in the coming year. And we would like to know what you are doing to make sure your Vista system is protected--let us know in the comments.

For more on Vista headaches:
- See this CNNMoney article

Microsoft tries again

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 06:59:58 -0500

Microsoft is at it again. The company is about to release a major update to its Windows Live OneCare security suite. The exact date is not certain, but Amazon is already taking orders for it. The software can be run on up to three PCs. It has new tools for backing up, monitoring, and managing home networks. The suggested retail price is $49.95, but Amazon is offering it for $42.99. OneCare is sold on a subscription basis, so these prices would cover a one-year subscription. It's been a tough climb for this software. Earlier this year, the software ranked last in a test of 15 anti-virus products. But Microsoft has been improving the product. The company has improved its malware detection rate, according to Vinny Gullotto, general manager of the company's Malware Protection Center.

For more on Microsoft's OneCare security suite:
- See this Infoworld article

ALSO NOTED: Google, Capgemini to announce partnership;How to support mashups in the enterprise;

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 06:59:58 -0400

> Google, Capgemini to announce partnership. Article

> How to support mashups in the enterprise. Article

> IT Manager faces 10 years in prison for hacking ex-employer. Article

> Microsoft to release five security bulletins. Article

> Rambus Pays $18M to settle class-action lawsuit. Article

And finally… Avid cyclists worldwide compete virtually from their own homes. Article

ALSO NOTED: Women could ease IT labor shortage; Watch out for fake Microsoft security alerts;

Sun, 10 Jun 2007 20:01:38 -0400

> Women could help IT labor shortage, Penn State researchers say. Study

> Watch Out For Fake Microsoft Security Alerts. Article

> Tips for Achieving Work-Life Balance. Article

And Finally... Looking for some R&R? Check out the 15 geekiest vacations. Article

ALSO NOTED: Microsoft security czar moves into new Windows system role; Learning from scandal and getting a grip on messaging;

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 20:01:33 -0400

> Microsoft security czar moves into new Windows system role. Article

> Learning from scandal and getting a grip on messaging. Article

> Why there is value in the loss of a talented employee. Article

> iPod users beware--there's a worm on the loose. Article

> 10 tips for good data backup. Article

> Feds not giving up on getting user site activity info from ISPs. Article

And Finally... An amphibious auto is coming to market. Article

ALSO NOTED: Vendors unite to push VoIP, wireless ahead; NY hands off wireless net project to Northrop; and much more...

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 20:01:33 -0400

> Vendors unite to push VoIP, wireless ahead. Article

> NY hands off wireless net project to Northrop. Article

> Mozilla hires on former Microsoft security guru for Firefox work. Article

> Senate support of surveillance laws draws fire. Article

> The World Wide Web hits ripe old age of 15. Article

> Another top Microsoft exec leaves the nest. Article (free registration required)

And Finally... Tech notable quotables. Article

Microsoft exec says security is better than ever

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 20:01:36 -0400

You might have to take this with a big grain of salt: One Microsoft security leader believes that his company has boosted its security grade from a C or even D level to a B with its continuing focus on improving product security. Ben Fathi, corporate VP of the vendor's security technology unit, says that while Microsoft's efforts just a few years ago were near failing, a "cultural shift" has prompted the company to make security development and review a part of the product development cycle. But not everyone agrees with Fathi, noting that there's still lots of room for improvement when it comes to Microsoft products.

For more on the security grade:
- read the Computerworld article

ALSO NOTED: Intel hiring while firing; Security issues spawning new start-up technologies; and much more...

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 20:01:33 -0400

> Intel also hiring while firing. Article

> Security issues spawning new start-up technologies. Article

> Why service-level tracking tools are grabbing traction. Article

> How the newest smartphone hopes to compete with the BlackBerry. Article

> Microsoft security guru moves over to Mozilla. Article

> The move to integrate everything into data management. Article

And Finally... Telepathy and the telephone. Article

SPOTLIGHT: Rootkits demand greater security attention

Mon, 01 May 2006 20:01:33 -0400

Ever since the Sony CD debacle involving rootkit technology, greater security attention and investigation has been focused on what rootkits can allow the criminal element to do to networks and systems. As one Microsoft security expert relates, the danger and damage level can be high. Mike Danseglio, a program manager in Microsoft's security solutions group, says that if a network gets infiltrated by a nasty rootkit, it might as well be trashed. Though the rootkit itself isn't the danger, its ability to let hackers use it to hide malicious code is very dangerous. Article

Patches solve some problems, create others

Sun, 16 Apr 2006 20:01:39 -0400

Though greatly anticipated, the recent Microsoft patch release seems to be causing more headaches than the vulnerability issues that prompted the release in the first place. Enterprises are reporting lots of IE lockups, desktop freeze-ups and system crashes, possibly due to a hardware conflict issue, according to a Microsoft security spokesman. It all has to do with a new file, Verclsid.exe, that came with the patch bundle. The file conflicts with HP printers, scanners and cameras--what the security spokesman termed a "bad interaction."

For more on the patch conflict issue:
- read this CRN article