A Service Pack Too Late

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A Service Pack Too Late
Douglas Chick

Microsoft released three critical security patches that fixed 20 flaws in their Windows operating systems. The response from computer users seems to be a mix of frustration and resentment, instead of the being grateful as you might expect. I for one was one of those individuals that have been waiting with trembling and quiet anticipation for some relief to stop some of the holes in my network. So I'm not ashamed to; "Thank you Microsoft for plugging 20 security holes on 1000 of my computer. One thing though…any idea when the next 20 fixes will be released?"

Even with Microsoft's "attention" to security, still many computer professionals are still extremely concerned. Their feelings are that Microsoft has lost its credibility and have compromised millions of people in it's pursuit of corporate gain. Still there is another worry that Microsoft has only taken care of holes that they know how to fix, and has left its customers vulnerable without any warning to the exploits that they can not patch. From personal experience I share this same frustration when I watch almost helplessly as malware pops up on my servers. I admit that I'm quick to remove them, but what about the ones that I don't find? And because I'm always watching for malware and security issues, I'm not really doing the job that I was hired for. Microsoft may have very well placed security as their number one concern, but sometimes it just seems a little too slow and too late for me to be impressed.

Myself, as well as many other computer professionals wish that Microsoft would be a little more upfront on security and give us an honest up-to-date warning when a problem is discovered and not just when they have a fix for them.

Douglas Chick

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