Microsoft’s latest update for Windows Server 2003 Enhances Security

The software giant Microsoft continues its efforts towards making its applications secure. The latest example being the first service pack for their flagship networking operating system Windows Server 2003 which has just recently been released to public. Some of the latest defenses in this update include a roles-based configuration wizard and Internet blocking until the time user install critical updates thus preventing any major damage to the system.

It is quite close to being a bug fixing service pack, which is aimed to make the Operating System less prone to attacks from the cyber space. It also comes aimed with tools, which makes it simpler for network administrators to securely set up servers running this Networking Operating System.

Microsoft is making this update available in both the traditional deliverable CDs and on download from the Internet. Some of the features of this service pack are the ability for these servers to turn on the Windows Firewall as soon as they are deployed in a networking environment. In addition, Internet access is also denied unless the latest patches are downloaded from the Windows Update website to prevent any threats, which might render the system crippled.

Microsoft has also incorporated something called a security configuration wizard. It let the server operating to detect the role the system is being used. Then it automatically sets up the ports and software to function according to the desired functionality of the system. The company also claims that the update also makes Windows Server less prone to DCOM based security issues.

Windows XP itself received a major update in the form of Service Pack 2 few months back.