Microsoft preps Windows security scanner

[KOBBRAS]

The software will scan Windows for missing patches, weak passwords and other vulnerabilities As part of a push to regain the public trust, Microsoft plans to release a wizard-like program to help home software users and network administrators protect their computer systems from outside attack.

Read more at www.xatrix.org

[Kezil]

It's nice to see that MS is attempting to increase their focus on security. Now if they would design an OS that was secure from the start, cost less than $250, was stable, and had all the same user-friendliness, then they would really be worth it. (Like that's ever going to happen in my lifetime)

[Conf1rm3d_K1ll]

But they're forgetting about the paranoid, such as myself. I doubt that I'd let any M$ software scan any of my boxes.....

[haknwak]

tee hee nice OxyMoron there MS - Security??!!
More like a way for MS to ensure constant and regular access to your system and to monitor unlicensed software installations.

Oh - I forgot - they do this all "without sending any information to Microsoft"!

ummmmm - yeaaahhh, right - how do they know what patches you have or do not have without collecting information - your IP, your MAC Addy, MS Installed Base of SW, Versions, updates etc etc?

[{P²P}Apocalypse]

They have actualy had this service for NT, 2000, and XP for some time. They have offered it as an online scan with the scan engine provided by Shavlik. They have sent several notice's thru subscription services via Tech Net about a full featured downloadable version being released soon for all Win32 platforms.

You can go here for the scan and fixes:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/mpsa/start.asp
You can go here to see what Shavlik has been up to in regards to the development:
http://www.shavlik.com/press.asp

So as you can see. It's not actualy MS behind the technology, only the service. So it should be a nice security suite when made for download since it's from a third party vendor.
<Fingers crossed>

[mindrape]

if people would just update their systems they would be a little bit better off

[##prisoner##]

I don't think many Windows users who use their PCs only for e-mail, netsurfing, or music jukebox use this new scan, 'cuz they don't care or they don't even know it...

[ammo]

Originally posted here by haknwak
tee hee nice OxyMoron there MS - Security??!!
Oh - I forgot - they do this all "without sending any information to Microsoft"!

ummmmm - yeaaahhh, right - how do they know what patches you have or do not have without collecting information - your IP, your MAC Addy, MS Installed Base of SW, Versions, updates etc etc?

You're browser (IE) downloads an Activex which downloads a list of patches from windowsupdate then the activex compares the patches you already have installed and the ones you don't have (in the list)... Not rocket science...

Ammo