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UEL expert questions new Microsoft revolution in computer security

Tuesday 30 January 2007

Microsoft's long-awaited Window's Vista is finally released today - Tuesday 30 January.

But with cyber-crime currently the world's biggest growth industry and costing over $220 million to companies and individuals each year, can Vista really save the day and live up to its billing as a revolution in computer security?

Not necessarily, according to Dr Hamid Jahankhani, Principal Lecturer at the University of East London (UEL) School of Computing and Technology and a pioneer in the development of internationally recognised information security systems and computer forensics.

Dr Jahankhani said: “As technology grows ever more sophisticated, so too does the threat of organised crime and terrorist activity. Microsoft is promoting Vista as the most secure and trustworthy version of Windows yet, but it remains to be seen whether the new software will prove reliable enough to make a real difference to levels of cyber-crime.

“In many ways, we’ve been here before; Microsoft made similar claims before the release of Windows XP, but hackers proved up to the challenge. The key difference this time is the new Patchguard system, a feature of Vista’s 64-bit version. Patchguard makes it difficult for people to interfere with the Windows kernel – the centre of its operating system.

“Difficult, that is, but not impossible; criminals will undoubtedly be able to find loopholes until the next generation of processor chips are delivered with extra security features. In the meantime, there is simply no way for Microsoft to get around existing hardware limitations. There is also a real risk that Microsoft's rewritten software will suffer from unpredictable problems, which cyber criminals are undoubtedly working hard to discover.

"Large organisations will definitely wait to see how successful the software proves with home-users before introducing it into the office. And with many anti-virus software developers deeply worried that Microsoft's new software could soon render their products obsolete, 2007 promises to be a very interesting year in the field of computer security.”

Dr Jahankhani is responsible for UEL’s innovative and expanding range of programmes in information security and computer forensics. For further information, contact Dr Jahankhani on 020 8223 2071 or visit www.uel.ac.uk/scot

Ends/.

For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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