Securing the perimeter

roundup Microsoft's vulnerable software prompts a unique lawsuit and changes in upgrades. Plus: An IE flaw and a critique of "trusted computing."

Security suit raises thorny questions
User licenses typically shield software makers from liability for product defects. But if consumers are forced to use one company's products, should that company be held to different standards?
October 3, 2003

Attack program hijacks surfing in IE
The malicious QHosts program, which infects PCs using a recent flaw in Internet Explorer, could take control of how computers look up Internet addresses.
October 2, 2003

Class-action suit points to Microsoft flaws
The company faces a proposed lawsuit based on the claim that its software's market dominance and vulnerability to viruses could lead to "massive, cascading failures" in global networks.
October 2, 2003

Digital-rights group knocks 'trusted' PCs
The Electronic Frontier Foundation says a component of so-called trusted computing technology from industry giants, including Microsoft and IBM, is a threat to computer users.
October 2, 2003

Microsoft moves beyond patches
Conceding that its strategy of patching Windows holes as they emerge has not worked, the software giant plans a new security effort focused on "securing the perimeter."
October 2, 2003

Report: Flaws quickly spawn Net attacks
Online vandals are quickly exploiting flaws, leaving companies with little time to patch their computer systems, according to data analysis by Symantec.
October 1, 2003

Open-source group plugs three holes
The OpenSSL Project releases a patch to fix several vulnerabilities that were found during a security test by the U.K. government.
October 1, 2003

Commentary: A plethora of patches
Smooth and timely application of security fixes has become a major concern for many organizations, and several vendors now offer products specifically for patch management, Forrester Research says.
October 2, 2003

previous coverage
Insecure about Microsoft's security
roundup A group of experts issues a report saying Microsoft's dominance threatens the nation's infrastructure. Now, one of the authors is out of a job.
September 26, 2003