Microsoft extends security initiative

Microsoft has extended its Security Cooperation Program (SCP) to security institutions such as Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTS), and will from now on supply them with advance information about vulnerabilities and security holes in its products. This service will also be extended to larger universities with chairs of computer security and other institutions with roles of national importance. Until now, only government authorities enjoyed such advance information. By extending the program, now called SCPcert, Microsoft hopes further to improve its response to threats and to minimize risks.

Advertisement

SCPcert is just a part of the Microsoft Security Response Alliance (MSRA), which is based on several initiatives including the Virus Information Alliance, Microsoft Virus Initiative, Microsoft Security Support Alliance, Global Infrastructure Alliance for Internet Safety and the Microsoft Security Cooperation Program. The aim is to combine and disseminate the experience and information from all the partners.

(mba)