Security and Identity Management

Microsoft continues to expand and firm up its line of security products, particularly products for malicious software protection. All of the company’s security products, including Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) server, will eventually fall under the company’s new Forefront brand name.

(For a graphical overview of recent and upcoming security products, see the illustration “Security Overview“.)

Malicious Software Protection

Microsoft is expanding its products for protection from malicious software (malware), including viruses and spyware, over the next two to three years. For large organizations, Microsoft plans or offers the following:

Forefront Client Security. Previously Client Protection, Forefront Client Security will be a unified malware scanning product for detecting and removing viruses, worms, Trojans, adware, and spyware from PCs and server OSs. It will support central configuration using Active Directory and Group Policy, distribution of malware signatures through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), and central monitoring and reporting. Currently in beta, Forefront Client Security will be available separately in volume licensing, but the Client Access Licenses (CALs) will also be a component of Microsoft’s new Enterprise CAL suite.