Ryan Naraine

Microsoft is adding a new feature to Windows Vista to allow businesses to load ActiveX controls on systems running without admin privileges. The feature, called ActiveX Installer Service, will fit into the next public release of Vista to provide a way for enterprises to cope with the UAC (User Account Control) security mechanism. UAC, formerly […]

Allegations of “predatory pricing” are beginning to swirl around Microsofts emergence as a player in the security software space. On the heels of the software makers May 30 release of its Windows Live OneCare PC care bundle for consumers and a massive rebranding effort in the enterprise security sector, competitors are crying foul, charging that […]

Microsofts security response Center is recommending that businesses consider blocking Excel spreadsheet attachments at the network perimeter to help thwart targeted attacks that exploit an unpatched software vulnerability. The Redmond, Wash., software maker published a prepatch advisory on June 19 with a list of workarounds that include blocking Excel file types at the e-mail gateway. […]

In an unusual move, Microsoft has released a formal security advisory to warn of the publication of “detailed exploit code” that targets a critical Windows vulnerability. The software makers security response unit is strongly urging Windows users—especially businesses running Windows 2000—to patch the vulnerabilities addressed in the MS06-025 bulletin because of the potential for a […]

Symantec is reshaping its push into the network and gateway security business. The Cupertino, Calif., security vendor on June 26 confirmed it was “reducing its investment” in certain security appliances and laying off staff members as part of the move. About 80 employees have been given pink slips, and Symantec said the strategy shift will […]

Five spreadsheet files with personal data on approximately 28,000 sailors and family members were found on an open Web site, the U.S. Navy announced June 23. The personal data included the name, birth date and social security number on several Navy members and dependents. The Navy said it was notified on June 22 of the […]

Botnet herders have found a crafty new way to lure computer users to maliciously rigged Web sites—via text messaging on cell phones. The latest social engineering trick is to send SMS (short messaging service) alerts to mobile phones with a warning that the target has subscribed to an online dating service that racked up expensive […]

A private security company has found a way to nuke the controversial callback component in Microsofts Windows Genuine Advantage anti-piracy tool. Firewall Leak Tester, a company that provides tools to test the quality of personal firewall software, has released a utility called RemoveWGA that blocks Microsoft from “phoning home” from Windows PCs on a daily […]

Allegations of “predatory pricing” are beginning to swirl around Microsofts emergence as a player in the security software space. On the heels of the software giants release of its Windows OneCare PC care bundle for consumers and a massive rebranding effort in the enterprise security sector, competitors are crying foul, charging that Microsoft is using […]

Microsoft is adding a brand-new feature to Windows Vista to allow businesses to load ActiveX controls on systems running without admin privileges. The new feature, called ActiveX Installer Service, will be fitted into the next public release of Vista to provide a way for enterprises to cope with the UAC (User Account Control) security mechanism. […]