Does Windows XP SP 2 fit the endpoint security bill?
By Christine Burns, NetworkWorld.com, 08/23/04
We obviously can't do a comparative test of end point security products without taking into account Microsoft’s latest attempt to lock down its desktop systems: Windows XP SP 2.
While users grapple with application compatibility issues that may arise when they install Windows XP SP 2, Microsoft scrambles to get an acceptable deployment scheme for the update, and researchers and hackers go full tilt to find vulnerabilities in the code, Lab Alliance and security consultant Rodney Thayer is testing Windows XP SP2 against the same criteria that we measured nine other products in the first round of our enterprise end point security tests.
To meet the criteria for this test, we assert that products must actively DO something to identify and either block or stop malicious traffic or programs and services from reaching or running on the client. We’ll measure Windows XP SP2 against that initial yardstick, taking a close look at it’s overall security features and whether or not does indeed make a Windows desktop system less hackable. Additionally, we’ll make an initial assessment of how well Windows machines running the service pack will work with the other endpoint security products tested.
Since we understand that most IT organizations are simultaneously trying to assess how XP SP 2 can help of hurt their network operations, we’d be very interested in getting your input on how those tests are progressing. You can either contact Rodney (rodney@canola-jones.com) directly, or join our forum to register your findings.
Complete test results.
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