Windows XP SP2 Turns 'On' Pop-up Blocking

Coming soon to WIndows XP near you...

Windows XP SP2 Turns 'On' Pop-up Blocking: "Windows XP SP2 Turns 'On' Pop-up Blocking
By Ryan Naraine

Microsoft's (Quote, Chart) long awaited Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) now includes some significant tweaks and a change in policy, the company said late Wednesday.
The Redmond, Wash.-based software vendor said it is adding a new Windows Security Center to the control panel and switching the default setting for pop-up blocking in Internet Explorer. Microsoft said it is still on track to deliver the final code for SP2 by the end of June.
With Release Candidate 1 (RC1) of the security-centric OS update, Microsoft also announced plans to open up access to the beta under a technical preview program and launch an SP2 preview site to provide details on the changes for developers.
The biggest change in the updated service pack is the addition of a new Windows Security Center to XP's control panel to allow consumers to check the status of essential security functionalities. The Security Center has the ability to monitor firewalls, Automatic Update and third-party anti-virus software and warn customers about the need to apply patches.

Flaws Found in Two Symantec Apps

If you use Norton apps to secure your PC, run... don't walk and read this article. Then get the updates.

Flaws Found in Two Symantec Apps: "
Flaws Found in Two Symantec Apps

March 19, 2004
By Dennis Fisher

Vulnerabilities weaken two of Symantec Corp.'s more popular security applications, Norton AntiSpam and Norton Internet Security, researchers have found.

SearchSecurity.com | Latest Bagle worm both nasty and sneaky

Heads up! There's a new virus trick on its way to an Inbox near you. Read this story at SearchSecurity.com to learn more about Bagle-Q.

SearchSecurity.com | Latest Bagle worm both nasty and sneaky: "A new Bagle variant has surfaced using a novel technique to propogate. Rather than attach itself to an e-mail, the worm uses a URL in the message to download the malicious code. "

SearchSecurity.com | DHS to release SoHo security guidelines

Good news from the Dept. of Homland Security. SOHO and home users are either part of the problem or part of the solution. More to foolow when details are released.

SearchSecurity.com | DHS to release SoHo security guidelines: "This week, the US Department of Homeland Security is expected to release guidelines for improving cybersecurity for small businesses and home computer users�groups normally not focused on security.
The new guidelines are seen as a follow-up to last year's National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace. That document was widely panned for lacking regulatory teeth since it recommends and encourages rather than enforces. The Strategy cited market forces as the major driver for improving security rather than regulations. Some accused the government of buckling to pressure from industry in taking a more laissez-faire approach. "

Microsoft is shipping the free Security Update CD

You ordered yours, right? No? Do it today. A true free lunch does not come along every day my friends. This CD will patch an installation of Windows through October 2003 and you can do it before you go online to collect the newer stuff. While this is not perfect protection, it's a lot safer than putting an unpatched PC ontot he network.

In a recent test, a completely unpatched and unprotected Windows XP Pro box I hung on the net to collect updates, basic anti-virus, and spyware tools was attacked 45 times before I got it patched!

Here's the URL. Place your order now.

To place a new order, visit Windows Security Update CD February 2004 Release at http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp?Locale=en-us