Source URL: https://it.slashdot.org/story/24/08/23/1520228/microsoft-plans-windows-security-overhaul-after-crowdstrike-outage?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
Source: Slashdot
Title: Microsoft Plans Windows Security Overhaul After CrowdStrike Outage
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Summary: Microsoft is enhancing its Windows security protocols in response to a significant software failure caused by a CrowdStrike update, which affected millions of devices globally. This initiative aims to improve the robustness of its operating system against similar incidents in the future, while also addressing concerns from both critics and security vendors about third-party software access to Windows’ core.
Detailed Description:
– Microsoft is revising its approach to security in light of a recent incident where a flawed update from CrowdStrike led to a substantial global outage, affecting approximately 8.5 million Windows devices.
– The company’s discussions with partners are focused on improving the OS’s ability to resist software errors, which are seen as vulnerabilities in the current architecture when integrating third-party security solutions.
– Critics believe the need for these adaptations reveals underlying weaknesses in Windows’ management of third-party software, suggesting that Microsoft has delayed necessary improvements.
– Implementing these changes may be contentious:
– **Impact on Security Vendors**: Security companies that rely on integrating with Windows may face challenges and must alter their products significantly.
– **Customer Adaptation**: Microsoft customers will also need to adjust their software to align with new security protocols.
– Previous outages have raised alarms across various sectors, such as travel and healthcare, resulting in extensive financial damages and operational disruptions. This incident intensifies scrutiny from regulators and business officials regarding third-party vendor access to critical system components.
– To further address these security challenges, Microsoft plans to convene a summit involving government officials and cybersecurity firms, including CrowdStrike, to focus on resilience and the safeguarding of critical infrastructure.
Key Implications for Security and Compliance Professionals:
– The proposed changes indicate a shift towards greater scrutiny of third-party software’s interaction with core operating systems, aligning with a Zero Trust security model.
– Increased discussions around software reliability and security will shape the regulatory landscape, stressing the importance of governance and compliance within software supply chains.
– Professionals should consider the evolving relationship between operating system vendors and third-party providers in risk management strategies.