Network Security News

Microsoft unveils anti-malware tools at Black Hat

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Microsoft made a splash Monday at the Black Hat USA 2009 conference, introducing new web security tools and guidance designed to help security professionals better manage online threats from malware.

At last year's Black Hat conference, Microsoft kicked off several programs for combating malware through vulnerability research and vulnerability ratings to improve security through information sharing, as outlined in a new Microsoft report.

This year, Microsoft said its tools can aid network security vendors to build more precise malware detection signatures and develop new techniques for analyzing malware.

Microsoft said its Office Visualization Tool is designed to help combat file format-based software vulnerabilities and exploits by allowing customers to deconstruct Microsoft Office-based attacks.

The Microsoft Security Update Guide will help customers better manage processes and practices surrounding Microsoft's security release process. The guide helps customers plan for security releases and highlight the resources available to help customers deploy updates quickly.

A Project Quant report containing a description of the update management model, including the community-developed update management cycle and associated details concerning each phase of the update cycle, is also available for download.