Vista issues worry vendors

Posted by   Virus Bulletin on   Sep 22, 2006

Security firms complain about monopoly tactics.

New security features to be included in the next version of Microsoft Windows continue to present difficulties for AV and other security software vendors. With the first full release of Vista expected soon, and the home user version due in the new year, Symantec is sending representatives to Europe to lobby the EU on the issue, in hopes that the monopolies commission may force Microsoft into making the new system more open to competitive security software.

Symantec's main worry is the inclusion of the Windows Security Center in the new version of the OS. Although it will be possible to disable the security control and monitoring system manually, no method has been made available for other firms to deactivate it as part of installing their own software. Warnings have been issued that Microsoft having too much control over what is considered a security issue may in itself be a security issue, while others have said that publishing a way to automatically switch off the protection could be playing into hackers' hands.

Other potential problems with Vista include the possibility that the kernel may be protected, which could prevent AV and other on-access monitors from intercepting file access. The infamous Blue Pill rootkit, capable of totally concealing malicious activity under Vista, has yet to be protected against.

Joining Symantec in Europe are representatives from Adobe, who fear the inclusion of PDF software in Vista will eat into their business. Symantec is also in a legal battle with Microsoft over alleged use of its Veritas technology in Vista.

Posted on 22 September 2006 by Virus Bulletin

 Tags

twitter.png
fb.png
linkedin.png
hackernews.png
reddit.png

 

Latest posts:

VBSpam tests to be executed under the AMTSO framework

VB is excited to announce that, starting from the Q3 test, all VBSpam tests of email security products will be executed under the AMTSO framework.

In memoriam: Prof. Ross Anderson

We were very sorry to learn of the passing of Professor Ross Anderson a few days ago.

In memoriam: Dr Alan Solomon

We were very sorry to learn of the passing of industry pioneer Dr Alan Solomon earlier this week.

New paper: Nexus Android banking botnet – compromising C&C panels and dissecting mobile AppInjects

In a new paper, researchers Aditya K Sood and Rohit Bansal provide details of a security vulnerability in the Nexus Android botnet C&C panel that was exploited in order to gather threat intelligence, and present a model of mobile AppInjects.

New paper: Collector-stealer: a Russian origin credential and information extractor

In a new paper, F5 researchers Aditya K Sood and Rohit Chaturvedi present a 360 analysis of Collector-stealer, a Russian-origin credential and information extractor.

We have placed cookies on your device in order to improve the functionality of this site, as outlined in our cookies policy. However, you may delete and block all cookies from this site and your use of the site will be unaffected. By continuing to browse this site, you are agreeing to Virus Bulletin's use of data as outlined in our privacy policy.