With Microsoft having released Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) to manufacturing, the technology that some have nicknamed "Security Pack 2", coupled with recent rumblings from Microsoft, is spinning the spotlight towards the personal firewall and antivirus sectors.
When Microsoft updated Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) in August 2004, for the first time Windows included a firewall that was switched on by default.
Security vendors face a new competitor with Microsoft's release of the Windows XP update, but they say the software giant's security features have yet to cause them concern.
Three new variants of the Bagle worm, which can disable the latest firewall protection in Windows, were discovered on Friday and antivirus companies are bracing for a surge of infections during the day.
Commentary: Anti-virus software won't protect you from the latest type of worm affecting Windows systems -- you need a personal firewall.
I found out last week that although Windows Vista will have a snazzy new firewall, by default it will be set to block only incoming traffic -- unless you decide to pay Microsoft an extra US$50 a year...
Microsoft's new firewall offering, included in Windows XP Service Pack 2, has a long way to go to match established products from Zone Labs and other players. Additional reading: XP SP2: The good, bad and ugly
Mobile devices are often the last thing administrators think of when beefing up defenses. What are the potential security holes and issues inherent when laptops log in to the corporate network?
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding firewalls. We've also provided some additional resources for your research. Additional reading: IPv6 gets security warning
Two new Microsoft Internet Explorer threats haven't been patched and since one of them is addressed in Windows XP Service Pack 2, users may have to wait until the release of that Service Pack.
Selecting a firewall from the many choices available is the easy part. The difficulty comes with implementation and management. Here are some of the problems you may face and a guide to the leading firewall vendors.
ZoneAlarm Pro 4.0 is a great firewall for security novices, but you'll still need a separate anti-virus program.
While XP SP2 is a huge step forward for Microsoft, there are important caveats. For example, don't expect the new Windows Firewall to prevent keystroke-logging Trojans from stealing your credit card info.
Wondering which endpoint security suite keeps your clients the most protected? Enex TestLab racks them all up and puts them through their paces.
ZoneAlarm Security Suite puts Norton and McAfee to shame with its easy-to-use triple-layer firewall, antivirus, antispam and now antispyware features.
ZoneAlarm Pro 5.5 is the best software firewall available to PC users today.
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