http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060817/NEWS/608170341/1001 By David Irvin Montgomery Advertiser August 17, 2006 The head of Microsoft Corp. considers cyberspace a "much more dangerous place" now than just a few years ago, describing hackers as "serious bad guys." In a speech Wednesday, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer spoke of the growing sophistication of hackers whose sole intent is to steal -- money and identities. "Today's threats are, in some senses, even more severe," Ballmer told those attending the Air Force Information Technology Conference, which brings together industry leaders and key decision makers in the military. Microsoft and the Air Force do business together. Right now, according to Ballmer, Microsoft dedicates 50 full-time employees to the Air Force account, more than any other customer. Ballmer outlined steps that the software giant is taking to tighten security with its products and promised that future releases will "close it down to the bad guys" and "open it up to the good guys." That's particularly important for the Air Force, which routinely deals with security-sensitive information, he said. Ballmer lauded the Air Force for its innovation in computer systems and emphasized the branch must have the ability to easily expand its computer system and integrate it with systems used by forces from other countries. In a light-hearted moment, Ballmer referred to criticism that his company's software is vulnerable to security threats. He joked that Microsoft had just graduated from the 100-level security course, "and now it's time for us to go take the 200-level course." In the past, Microsoft was intent on integrating office programs so that documents would work together easily. Today, Ballmer said, Microsoft is trying to take the next step and release products that help integrate the many ways that people communicate. _________________________________ HITBSecConf2006 - Malaysia The largest network security event in Asia 32 internationally renowned speakers 7 tracks of hands-on technical training sessions. Register now: http://conference.hitb.org/hitbsecconf2006kl/
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