June 20, 2006 - 1:53 P.M.
Still think Microsoft isn't serious about security? Think again.
- IT TOPICS:Security
Still thinking that Microsoft is not serious about security? Well, let's take a look:
- Microsoft's PR machine has stated that they will not change their security strategy with Bill Gates leaving.
- Microsoft has named their security product line (Forefront)
- Microsoft has launched Live OneCare (security vendors claim it won't be effective, but with McAfee and Symantec launching their own similar services, they have all but admitted that MSFT is on to something).
- Microsoft has continually moved in the right direction with securing their server and desktop OS's
- XP SP2 was a huge step in the right direction
- Windows Server 2003 was also a big step, with IIS being locked down by default (and not being installed by default!)
- Microsoft has started fighting malware and spam fairly effectively instead of looking to other companies to do it for them.
Now, you can argue the above assertions about their server and desktop OS. And the cynic in me says that MSFT created a lot of the mess they are trying to clean up, and the only reason they are doing so is because they can make money at it. But no one can deny that once Microsoft starts walking in a certain direction, they have the power and resources to keep going no matter who is in their way (I compared them to the Juggernaut of X-Men fame in my personal blog), and they will be a major security player. Good or bad, we all might as get used to it.
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