Microsoft have been severely criticised over the past 2 years (if not longer…) for the number of security flaws found in its Windows operating system. 

Most of the recent viruses have been designed to exploit some of the known flaws in Windows.  In response, Microsoft then issues software “patches” or fixes to close individual “vulnerabilities”.  Microsoft has now announced that is preparing to issue Service Pack 2 for Windows XP soon and it will contain significant enhancements that it hopes will tackle the types of flaws that have made the operating system so vulnerable in the past.

Some of the 'new' features it will contain are simply switching on existing facilities which had been left switched off by default. The enhancements will include:

·         The turning on of the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) by default (it is currently de-activated when XP is installed).  This is a software facility for stopping unauthorized access to your computer – often a serious problem, particularly when using broadband to connect to the Internet, being permanently connected.

·         It will automatically close any TCP/IP ports not in use.  These are the communication channels that allow you to have multiple Internet facilities running at the same time (browsing multiple web sites, chatting using MSN Messenger or Yahoo Messenger etc etc.)

·         There will be a new “tool” in the Service Pack which will detect third party firewall and antivirus products on the computer and notify the users whether or not they are enabled.

·         Major fixes to some of the more complex technical problems that have left users of Windows vulnerable to remote “hacking” of their computers will also be included.

Microsoft has been criticised most vociferously recently because of the ease with which viruses such as SoBig.F spread through Microsoft email systems. It admits that encouraging users not to open attachments from sources that are not familiar is only a partial solution. It therefore plans to implement more secure default settings and better attachment control for both Outlook and MSN Messenger Microsoft’s live “chat” program).

Finally there will be improvements to Internet Explorer to guard against malicious programs being run and spy-ware being placed onto user's computers.

Microsoft hopes that these improvements will help to reduce the number of attacks on its products and recover its reputation for security. They have confirmed that they will still issue security bulletins and patches for any future flaws that are discovered.