Full Disclosure mailing list archives
Microsoft to enable XP firewall by default
From: "Richard M. Smith" <rms () computerbytesman com>
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2003 13:27:15 -0400
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/14/technology/14WORM.html SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 13 - Microsoft acknowledged today that it planned to change the way it distributes its flagship Windows XP operating system software, in response to a malicious software "worm" that has spread over the Internet in recent days attacking tens of thousands of personal computers by exploiting vulnerabilities in Windows. Dissemination of the worm slowed today as network administrators and individual computer users around the world took steps to protect their machines, even as Microsoft's critics stepped up their complaints that the company's software, which dominants the industry, puts its customers at risk of such outbreaks. In at least a partial answer to its critics, Microsoft said that it would begin shipping the consumer and business versions of Windows XP with the protective network firewall completely activated, to make PC's less vulnerable to attacks. As part of its so-called .Net strategy, the company has been selling Windows XP with the firewall only partially enabled, to make it easier for users to play games online and make use of various automated Web services - like programs that make it easier for consumers to link the information in their credit-card accounts to their checking accounts online, for example. But critics have long said that such capabilities, which can make PC's more open to network attacks, should be chosen by the user, instead of being an automatic feature of the software. .... _______________________________________________ Full-Disclosure - We believe in it. Charter: http://lists.netsys.com/full-disclosure-charter.html
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- Microsoft to enable XP firewall by default Richard M. Smith (Aug 17)