Microsoft to Introduce Faster Security Disclosures

Starwax writes "Here's a very interesting strategy by Microsoft. After years of complaining about irresponsible disclosure of security alerts by grey hats, Microsoft will now confirm and discuss the vulnerabilities in a new pilot project launching on Tuesday. Advisories will be issued within one business day of a publicly reported security hole along with guidance and mitigation."

Security Through Selective Publicity

[Doc Ruby]

Microsoft will now announce that Microsoft will announce security alerts within one business day of their reporting to Microsoft. Microsoft announces that any security holes not announced by Microsoft must therefore not exist. It's the industry standard: "We [wired.com] have a policy that we are not being hacked."

Re:i hate to sound like a total dunce

[filtur]

but what is a grey hat?

Someone who can't decided on whether to be a black hat or a white hat. Kinda like Michael Jackson

Re:i hate to sound like a total dunce

[commodoresloat]

It's a big cone shaped hat you have to put on before you sit in the corner.

Re:Business Day?

[SnprBoB86]

"where do you draw the line?"

I'm not sure where you draw the line, but I can tell you that if you would take a bullet for a server... you've crossed it, wherever it is...

Wow!

[Primal_theory]

So we'll have them in under 5 years?!?! NO WAY!

Dateline: Redmond, Washington 2010 AD

[craXORjack]

At a Microsoft press conference today, aging software tycoon William Gates III touted his company's new "Accessible Code" policy whereby developers may examine the uncompiled routines which make up the Windows operating system and modify it to suit their needs provided they publicly release their changes under the same MSAC license.

Gates also outlined several points which he says gives Microsoft an advantage over "Open Source Software" such as the ubiquitous Linux operating system and the Apache web server which runs more than 92% of all internet sites. Among these points were: advisories addressing publicly reported security vulnerablities within one business day, free usage of Microsoft software by anyone (the Microsoft patented Pay-only-for-support model), and remarkable stability since there is no pressure from Marketing to release an unready version just to realize a revenue stream.

'These policies combine synergistically to leverage Microsoft over Open Sores Software', said Gates. 'The American system of patents and copyright clearly works. It gives people the freedom to choose. Because of this, almost half of all computer owners choose Microsoft Windows to be their desktop operating system. And the American jobs it creates may be yours. Recently after hiring 58,000 Bangledeshi software engineers, we created over 100 new jobs for Americans to proofread those engineer's milestone reports.'

'And if it weren't for our trusted copyright system, the Walt Disney Corporation would have had to lay off many of the foreigners they import from third world countries to sell snow-cones and wear that suit that makes them look like a certain mouse character whose name I'm not currently licensed to say in public, Gates continued nervously, 'but you know the one I'm talking about.'

Investors reacted positively to the news as Microsoft shares rose fifty cents breaking the five dollar barrier which had kept Microsft in danger of being delisted from the NASDAQ as a penny stock. Only a 3 for 1 reverse split had kept it listed since the company was warned last September. The former billionairre left the building in a hail of applause stopping briefly only to ask the time since his MS WinWatch had blue-screened and to ask several bystanders for a ride to the bus station.

microsoft sucking less

[poor_boi]

Does anyone else get a sinking feeling in their tummy every time Microsoft does something right, something better, or something intelligent? I like hating them. If I can't hate them, I'll have to hate something else. And I haven't been paying much attention to worthy targets over the past few years. I'm afraid I might have to turn my hate inwards if they improving. And that can't be good.