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Thread ID: 39799 2003-11-18 02:42:00 XP SP2 to increase security agent (30) Press F1
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192792 2003-11-18 02:42:00 In a draft document detailing security technologies in Windows XP SP2 (available to read here (msdn.microsoft.com)), it would seem Microsoft has come around to the realisation of a few things they should have put in at least SP1.

Personally, I think the most important change is the ICF - turned on by default in SP2. According to Microsoft, this would have significantly reduced the impact of the recent Blaster worm. It is also initiated earlier, using a static rule that will allow DHCP and such, but nothing else, until ICF is fully loaded. Previously, there was a gap between the network stack being initialised and the firewall kicking in. Also new is a shielded mode which apparently will prevent all unsolicited inbound traffic, and can be enabled until an update is applied.

The enhancements come under four categories at the moment:
Network protection
Memory protection
Safer email
Safer browsing.

At a glance, I'd say most of the changes appear to be simple defaults. For instance, configuration for email and browsing will by default be more secure, while memory protection will try to decrease buffer overruns.

Perhaps Microsoft finally learns the harshness of reality?
agent (30)
192793 2003-11-18 02:50:00 > The enhancements come under four categories at the
> moment:
> Network protection
> Memory protection
> Safer email
> Safer browsing.

Useing alternatives does that now.

> At a glance, I'd say most of the changes appear to be
> simple defaults. For instance, configuration for
> email and browsing will by default be more secure,
> while memory protection will try to decrease buffer
> overruns.
>
> Perhaps Microsoft finally learns the harshness of
> reality?

Now you don't reallllly beleive that do you?
mark.p (383)
192794 2003-11-18 03:14:00 Well, yes, actually.

Microsoft has learnt that they cannot get ahead simply by dominance (I'm not saying they'll stop their dominance, of course). In order to retain satisfied customers, they need to produce stable and secure software.

Recently they have begun to move torwards this initiative (even if it is mainly by the implementation of Trusted Computing).

I'm not proclaiming that the turning point in Microsoft's history has come, but it looks like they're beginning to get there. Though that doesn't necessarily make them look any better in peoples eyes... history can stick.

Unless of course, you believe that theory about the greys, the Club of Rome, assassination plots, the pentagonal building, and the New World Order?
agent (30)
192795 2003-11-18 05:51:00 > Unless of course, you believe that theory about the
> greys, the Club of Rome

Which one?

, assassination plots

Which one?

, the
> pentagonal building

Which one?

, and the New World Order?

You mean there isn't one?
mark.p (383)
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