New security features for Windows

In a further attempt to improve security, Microsoft has announced the release of Service Packs for Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP for the second half of this year.

New shielding measures will allow enterprises using Windows Server 2003 to block access to their systems from companies whose security procedures are not up to standard.

For those using Windows XP, Service Pack 2 will include a new security tool to stop viruses and worms by monitoring known vulnerabilities, removing the need for the IT department to immediately patch problems.

Attachment blocking in Outlook and instant messaging is being improved to help prevent the spread of viruses, while memory protection is also being tweaked to reduce stack overruns, a common way of crashing PCs.

Stuart Okin, Microsoft's UK head of security, said: "Security is a never-ending road.

"The security officers, the good ones still in their jobs, aren't the ones that promise there will be no problems. They're the ones that say: 'You will have problems but we have the people and skills to deal with it'."

Okin also vowed to improve the patching process by ensuring that all patches are built to a uniform standard, and by allowing administrators to roll back patch installation if needed.