What's new and what's different in Windows 7?
Microsoft’s new operating system Windows 7 is just around the corner, but what kind of security features will it bring? Here's a list of what you can expect in Windows 7.
Action Center - Similar to Vista's Windows Security Center, it notifies users of security risks, such as out-of-date Anti-Virus, new Windows Updates, or a disabled firewall.
Windows Defender - A built-in anti-spyware program that is good for home users although it doesn't have the central administration features that organizations need.
Windows Firewall - Offering application-aware outbound filtering in addition to inbound filtering and location-based profiles.
Windows XP compatibility mode - This mode allows users to run Windows XP programs on Windows 7, an attractive proposition to those who are familiar and comfortable with the applications; however, there are security concerns around this offering.
User Account Control - This feature is designed to prevent the installation of malware threats. It is rather intrusive with many "alerts" requiring a user response. This usability issue means it is likely to be disabled in many instances.
When is Windows 7 available?
Windows 7 was Released To Manufacturers on July 22 2009. This means PC manufacturers can start building and testing systems with this new operating system pre-installed.
Later in August, Volume License holders, MSDN users and some enterprise customers will get access to it.
Other customers will have to wait until October 22 2009, when it is scheduled for "General Availability." Retailers will then be able to sell Windows 7 pre-installed.
How will Sophos support Windows 7?
Sophos will support Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 before official release. Please see this article for more details.Users of previous versions of Sophos Anti-Virus for Windows can download the latest version of Sophos Endpoint Security and Data Protection from our downloads area.
Listen to Sophos senior technologist, James Lyne, discuss Windows 7 from the security point of view:
Resources
Download the whitepaper: "Windows 7 security: A great leap forward or business as usual?"
Find out more about Sophos Endpoint Security and Data Protection for Windows
Sophos support for Windows 7 and Windows 2008 Server R2
Microsoft: It's not too late. You have the ability to produce the most secure Windows yet. Wrap up the remaining few ends and we can all look forward to a more secure future.
— Chet Wisniewski, Senior Security Advisor
So surely the new security conscious Microsoft must have provided tools to help us manage all of this? Wrong! Microsoft's view is that this is your problem, unless you're prepared to invest in a full Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) system.
— Richard Jacobs, Sophos Chief Technology Officer
Awards and reviews
Sophos wins Windows Vista x64 VB100 award:
"[Sophos's] product impressed our tester with its speed of installation, well laid out interface and depth of configuration,"
Virus Bulletin
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