Second state to nix forced RFID chipping   22 Mar 2007 13:00 GMT
The North Dakota legislature has handily passed a bill that, if signed by Governor John Hoeven, would make the Peace Garden State the second in the nation to ban involuntary human implantation of RFID chips. Opponents say they're ignoring the benefits.
Source: Computerworld

Microsoft issues Vista security scorecard, gives itself an A-plus   22 Mar 2007 13:00 GMT
A Microsoft Corp. executive said Windows Vista's first 90 days was a huge security success when compared with the opening three months of Windows XP, the current Apple Inc. Mac OS X and three flavors of Linux.
Source: Computerworld

Growing Pressure for Data Classification   22 Mar 2007 13:00 GMT
As the reasons to classify and protect data grow, Jay Cline has some helpful guidance.
Source: Computerworld

DHS must assess privacy risk before using data mining tool, GAO says   22 Mar 2007 13:00 GMT
Before it rolls out a terrorist-fighting data analysis tool, the Department of Homeland Security should conduct a privacy impact assessment, according to the Government Accountability Office.
Source: Computerworld

PatchLink and SMS: Complimentary Solutions for Effective Patch Management   22 Mar 2007 13:00 GMT
(Source: Patchlink) If you're using SMS for patch management, brace yourself at audit time. Effective patch management requires continuous and accurate monitoring of your network, the ability to patch all operating systems and applications, and fast and flexible deployment. In the whitepaper, the author addresses PatchLink and SMS as complimentary solutions.
Source: Computerworld

The Return on Investment (ROI) of Automated Patch Management   22 Mar 2007 13:00 GMT
(Source: Patchlink) Organizations acknowledge the need for a formal patch management strategy and solution and clearly recognize the demands are escalating due to the rise in new vulnerabilities and the rapid emergence of threats. This paper details the cost savings and other benefits of automated patch management.
Source: Computerworld

How PatchLink Meets the Top 10 Requirements for Effective Patch and Vulnerability Management   22 Mar 2007 13:00 GMT
(Source: Patchlink) The purpose of this white paper is to address how PatchLink Update meets and surpasses the recommendations from NIST Special Publication 800-40 which addresses guidelines on creating an effective patch and vulnerability management program.
Source: Computerworld

Microsoft says Xbox security wasn't breached   22 Mar 2007 00:30 GMT
Gamers who reported fraud with their Xbox Live account were likely duped into giving up their information, according to Microsoft.
Source: ZDNet

U.S. agencies given deadline to secure XP, Vista configurations   21 Mar 2007 13:00 GMT
Karen Evans, the de facto CIO of the federal government, has told U.S. agencies they have until May to explain how they plan to implement a common secure configuration setting for all Windows XP and Vista systems.
Source: Computerworld

Microsoft probes Xbox Live hacks   21 Mar 2007 13:00 GMT
Microsoft today said it has launched an investigation into reports of hackers stealing player accounts on the company's Xbox Live gaming service. Among the victims: noted security researcher Kevin Finisterre.
Source: Computerworld