October 26, 2006
IE 7 needs tweaking for safety
Microsoft's new Internet Explorer 7.0 browser, which was released to the public last week, includes several security improvements but still has weaknesses inherited from IE 6. I'll show you an easy way to "harden" IE 7 so you're protected against hacker threats that haven't even been invented yet. Read more »
Do you have HIPS in your future? 
One of the newer buzzphrases in the security industry is Host-based Intrusion Prevention System, or HIPS, which is something you may want to look at. It can be difficult, however, to separate the actual innovation from the traditional vendors trying to ride the buzzword wave. Read more »
Top timesaving tips in IE 7 and Firefox 2
With IE 7 out the door and Firefox 2 being released this week, it's time to retrain your fingers and teach those old dogs new tricks. Check out my favorites — these are the tricks I use every day. Read more »
Old flaws still plague Internet Explorer
The Internet is buzzing about the release of Internet Explorer 7. The Internet is also buzzing about flaws in IE 7 that are left over from IE 6. I first wrote about one IE 6 flaw in the May 11, 2006, issue of the newsletter — and it still hasn't been patched yet. I wonder how many other holes remain active in Microsoft's "new" browser? Read more »
Patches have problems as IE 7 seeks deployment
While everyone was in a tizzy over IE7 hitting the streets, the rest of us mortals were still tracking issues with the patches we got earlier this month. There are times IT folks overreact to technology changes, such as IE 7 — but I guess that's what makes us human. Read more »
October 23, 2006
The battle over the Vista kernel
I'm publishing a special news update today. Why? Because Microsoft substantially changed the debate over the security of Windows Vista just after our Oct. 12 issue appeared. Read more »
Vista changes lock out antivirus makers
Microsoft is making statements claiming it's going to let security vendors such as Symantec and McAfee have access to the Vista kernel. I don't believe it. Read more »
October 12, 2006
MS OneCare halts flow of antivirus info
When Microsoft announced it was entering the antivirus biz, the usual nattering nabobs of negativism moaned and groaned about unfair competition and unlevel playing fields. But several recent events seem to confirm the worst: Microsoft may well be using its desktop monopoly to trump its AV competitors. What do you think? Read more »
You'll love IE 7's tabs or hate 'em
Microsoft's updated browser, Internet Explorer 7.0, is about to go gold and the debate about its behavior is just beginning. Besides IE 7, this week I have readers' comments on Spy Sweeper, NetChk Protect, AVG Antivirus, and how to speed up browsing in the beta of Windows Vista. Read more »
Is Vista locking out security competitors?
Security vendors are complaining about what they call anticompetitive features coming up in Vista. Are their complaints valid, or are they simply worried about competition?. I also have additional advice for those of you who are still experiencing Java install troubles. Read more »
Microsoft skips some critical IE patches
The "squeaky wheel gets the grease" seems to be Microsoft's motto lately, as several patches for Internet Explorer (and components used IE) were released out-of-cycle last month and on this week's Patch Tuesday. Meanwhile, flaws in IE that are equally severe — but were getting less media attention — were left unpatched. Read more »
Goodbye old friends, hello Office patches
This month, we say a fond farewell to MS support for Windows XP SP1, pay tribute to Ray Noorda, and get ready for IE 7. We also find that the servers at Microsoft Update have taken a page out of Woody Leonhard's "you should wait to patch" handbook and decided to make you do just that. Read more »