FYI...

- http://www.techweb.com/article/printableArticle.jhtml?articleID=193302307&site_section=700028
October 13, 2006
"Microsoft has compromised with security vendors who've been demanding access to the kernel of the upcoming Vista operating system so that they can update their security offerings, two analysts confirmed Friday. Following conversations with the European Union, Microsoft will make two security-related changes to Vista. First, it will create a new set of APIs, which will let third-party security vendors access information from the kernel. Microsoft will also build additional APIs to make sure Vista's security status dashboard -- Windows Security Center -- doesn't send duplicate alerts to users who have installed a rival dashboard. Both issues had been raised by long-time Microsoft partners Symantec and McAfee, which went public with their concerns last month... Previously, Microsoft said it would integrate PatchGuard, a technology meant to stop malicious code and third-party software from making kernel level changes, into the 64-bit edition of Vista. Security vendors, however, objected, and claimed that by locking down the kernel, Microsoft was locking out their ability to monitor system calls, a technique used by behavioral host-based intrusion prevention system to sniff out suspect or malicious code. "Microsoft is still saying the kernel remains unmodifiable," said Joe Wilcox, an analyst with JupiterResearch. "But the APIs will allow access to information going to the kernel"..."

FYI...

- http://tinyurl.com/vxvv3
Oct 16, 2006
"Microsoft said on Monday it had provided some essential data to dozens of security software firms on Monday so their products can work smoothly with the new Vista operating system... The codes are important for the software companies as they will allow them to suppress Microsoft's own security "pop-ups" if a PC user decides to buy alternative security software, thus keeping brands distinct from that of Microsoft. Separately, Microsoft has yet to develop promised software essential to the companies so they can block "spyware" and other malicious software. It will give Symantec, McAfee and other security firms access to the core, or "kernel," of the 64-bit version of Vista, the new Windows operating system due for release in January..."

.