PRESS RELEASE

Today at the Black Hat USA 2010 conference, Microsoft Corp. announced that it will extend its Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) to include vulnerability information sharing from Adobe Systems Inc. Microsoft also discussed the new policy of coordinated vulnerability disclosure and introduced new tools and guidance that will improve online security for its customers.

“We’re excited about extending the benefits of MAPP to Adobe users as we’ve seen clear evidence of its impact in advancing customer protections. We continue to encourage the collective industry — from security researchers to vendors to customers — to recognize the responsibility we all share in fortifying the broader computing ecosystem against online crime,” said Mike Reavey, director of the Microsoft Security Response Center at Microsoft Corp.

Shift to Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure Microsoft announced it would move to a new practice and philosophy of coordinated vulnerability disclosure.

* Definition of coordinated vulnerability disclosure. Microsoft believes CVD is when newly discovered vulnerabilities in hardware, software and services are disclosed directly to the vendors of the affected product, to a CERT-CC or other coordinator who will report to the vendor privately, or to a private service that will likewise report to the vendor privately. The finder allows the vendor an opportunity to diagnose and offer fully tested updates, workarounds or other corrective measures before detailed vulnerability or exploit information is shared publicly. If attacks are under way in the wild, earlier public vulnerability details disclosure can occur with both the finder and vendor working together as closely as possible to provide consistent messaging and guidance to customers to protect themselves.

New Tools and Guidance Also today, Microsoft released several resources that will help customers make informed decisions and manage risk.

* Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET). EMET is a free tool that brings newer security mitigations to older Microsoft platforms and applications, both third-party and line-of-business applications. Specifically, the tool helps block targeted attacks against unfixed vulnerabilities. * Microsoft vulnerability research (MSVR) paper. The MSVR paper offers an update on how the program is helping improve both Microsoft’s software and third-party products, ultimately keeping more people safe online. * A Report: Building a Safer, More Trusted Internet Through Information Sharing. This report details the positive impact MAPP, the Microsoft Exploitability Index and MSVR have had for customers over the past two years, creating a safer online environment for people around the world.

Given the increasing criminality of the threat landscape, it’s clear that a new approach to security is required. As such, Microsoft calls on the industry to continue to collaborate and coordinate to combat online threats and create a safer, more trusted Internet.