Executives from Microsoft's security group demonstrated
some of the latest security features planned for the next major
Windows XP software update, known as Service Pack 2.
Executives also faced persistent questions from customers about
whether the latest features will interfere with other security
technology.
Speaking at the company's monthly Executive Circle webcast, Mike
Nash, corporate vice-president of the Security Business and
Technology Unit (SBTU) showed off features to simplify the
management of security technology like anti-virus and desktop
firewalls, and to protect users from malicious e-mail
attachments.
Nash also summoned other security group executives to talk about
the company's plans and to field questions from customers curious
about whether the latest version of XP will interfere with network
and desktop security products that are already being used.
Rebecca Norlander, group manager for the SBTU, confirmed that a
second test version of Service Pack 2, known as Release Candidate 2
(RC2) will be released in May, and that the final version of XP
Service Pack 2 (SP2) is still on schedule for the first half of the
year. More release candidates are possible after the RC2 release,
depending on customer feedback, Norlander added.
The XP SP2 includes a Windows Security Centre, which
consolidates security configuration information, and displayed
features in the Outlook e-mail client that will strip out malicious
attachments or warn users when unknown and potentially harmful
programs are trying to run.
When asked whether the Windows Firewall will work with common
third-party firewalls such as those by Network Associates and Zone
Alarm, Norlander said that Microsoft was working hard on
compatibility testing, but added that ultimately it is up to
customers to make the Windows Firewall run alongside another
firewall product.
Microsoft encouraged all XP customers to run the latest version
of the Windows Firewall so they can benefit from boot time
security, a new feature in XP SP2 that protects Windows systems
from attack while they are booting, she said.
Customers who encounter compatibility problems between the
Windows firewalls and other firewalls should report them to
Microsoft and to the firewall suppliers.
Microsoft added that the company expected around 70% of
commercial anti-virus products to be recognised by Windows XP SP2
and to appear in the Security Centre management interface when XP
SP2 is released.
Nash said that companies should understand what security
features are in Windows XP SP2 and to "evaluate your security
products to see what's right for your environment". Microsoft is
working to make Windows interact with and manage a variety of
third-party products.
Microsoft will be holding training courses to discuss the impact
of XP SP2 on existing applications and help making software
applications compatible with the latest version of XP with
developers and large software suppliers.
Nash encouraged Microsoft customers to download and test the
first test release of Windows XP SP2, and to report any problems
they encounter to the company.
Paul Roberts writes for IDG News Service