Microsoft CIO details internal security measures
ENT News | at | by Mike
Ever wonder what the alpha user of Microsoft software, Microsoft's internal IT Group, is doing about security? Microsoft corporate vice president and chief information officer Rick Devenuti offered a glimpse last week during MEC 2002 in Anaheim, Calif. He also touched on some security efforts underway in Microsoft's IT department. For one thing, the company is rolling out smart cards for two-factor authentication. Currently, 27,000 employees are using cards for remote access to the network. By year end, all employees will use them, Devenuti says.
Another major way network security is being increased in Redmond is through the institution of what Devenuti calls a secure remote user/remote quarantine service. When users attempt to access the Microsoft network remotely, their systems are checked to ensure that a firewall is installed and that their anti-virus software has been updated recently, among other things. If the system does not pass, it is placed in a quarantine area where the user can download the necessary bits to get the system into compliance.