Preview list of some of the Windows XP SP2 (Service Pack 2) Security Enhancements

["H. Morrow Long" <morrow.long () YALE EDU>]

Security Enhancements in Windows XP Service Pack 2 (aka Windows XP 2.0) will include :
*       Cumulative 'roll up' of all security fixes/patches.
*       automatic enabling of the firewall bundled with Windows XP and
*       changes to the WindowsUpdate service.
*       Attachment Execution Services API (auto blocking of certain file attachment types for Outlook Express and MSN Messenger).
*       MS RPC disabling using 'Internet Zone' / 'Intranet Zone' ACLing (ala TCP Wrappers).
*       Windows code recompiled to prevent stack/buffer/heap overflows on many processors (e.g. via separation of
code and data, via 'no execute' restrictions, etc.).
*       Management of the built-in XP firewall via group policies.
*       Tools to prevent malicious scripts, ActiveX controls and spyware from running (undetected) on user desktops.
*       IE popup blocker.

http://www.internetweek.com/breakingNews/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=4MJZXYTSNZ1IGQSNDBCSKHY?articleID=16700707

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