Critical Updates From M/S

[forwardone]

There`re quite a few `critical` updates to come from Microsoft recently.

The Windows security updates for February, 2005 include several high-priority updates for Microsoft Windows that also affect Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Media Player technologies.
Worth checking to see if you need these updates for your computer`s security.

Geoff

[forwardone]

Will IE 7 help to improve Microsoft`s security issues?

Microsoft is planning a new, more secure version of Internet Explorer to combat privacy-stealing and PC-clogging spyware and other virtual pests, company Chairman Bill Gates said in a speech to security experts Tuesday.
The software giant will start testing the upgrade IE 7 this summer and make it available only to users of the latest version of Windows — XP with last summer's Service Pack 2 upgrade, which also came with security improvements to IE 6. "Spyware ... is something we need to nip now," Gates said.

The moves are part of a wide-ranging effort by the world's largest software maker to improve the security and reliability of its Windows operating system and other programs, which have become favorite targets of hackers, virus writers and other malware creators.

Speaking at the annual RSA Conference, a major gathering of computer security experts, Gates outlined successes over the past year but did not suggest total victory was imminent or even possible. Microsoft has distributed more than 170 million copies of a major security enhancement to Windows XP since its release last year, but Gates said more work is needed.
Geoff

[forwardone]

Here`s an interesting security update from Microsoft, which seems unusual compared to the normal updates we receive.


Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - March 2005 (KB890830)
After the download, this tool runs once to check your computer for infection by specific, prevalent malicious software (including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom) and automatically helps remove any variants found. After it runs, the tool is deleted from your computer. A new version of the tool will be offered every month. If you want to manually run the tool on your computer, you can download a copy from the Microsoft Download Center or run an online version from microsoft.com. In addition to using this tool, you should use an up-to-date antivirus product to help protect your computer from other malicious software.

Help and support
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=890830

Geoff