I noticed over the weekend that Microsoft's Solution Accelerator team has just released a Beta of Project Codename Sundance. This Solution Accelerator builds on previous Microsoft security guidance and is aimed at helping you configure and deploy security settings for both Windows and Office 2007. With more than 700 security setting recommendations, the guidance and tools included should help fine-tune the security posture of your Windows and Office 2007 deployments.

After deploying the security settings, you can even verify the settings and monitor policy changes by using one or more of 18 new configuration packs designed for the Desired Configuration Management (DCM) feature of Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007.

This solution accelerator can help you in a number of ways:

• Accelerate and secure deployments
  Predefined templates and automated tools enable you to greatly reduce the time required to deploy security settings and monitor security baselines.
• Provide higher reliability
  Eliminate a number of manual steps and get faster, more reliable security results.
• Comprehensive solution
  Includes information about hundreds of security and privacy setting options, as well as recommendations for each one based on best practices.
• Manage risk
  Manage security setting changes in Windows operating systems and Office applications that otherwise could place the integrity of your IT systems at risk.
• Right Price
  It's free from Microsoft Connect.

I invite you to join the Beta Program for Project Codename Sundance and take a look at how it might help you secure your Windows and Office 2007 installations.

To join the Beta Program for Project Codename Sundance, please click on the following link:
https://connect.microsoft.com/InvitationUse.aspx?ProgramID=2682&InvitationID=SUN-698V-PYJF&SiteID=715

After you have joined the program, add the following link to your favorites
https://connect.microsoft.com/site/sitehome.aspx?SiteID=715 

[Edited on 12/17/2008 to provide best user experience for beta program links.]

Good day, Paul Cooke here.

It’s great to be hosting the all new Windows Security Blog. For the last couple of years, we have been talking about what has made Windows Vista the most secure client operating system Microsoft has ever delivered over on the Windows Vista Security Blog. Now, as we start talking about Windows 7 and look for opportunities to discuss relevant security topics in a broader sense, we felt it was a good time to re-launch and re-locate the blog here as part of the Windows Blog.

The purpose of this blog is to make you aware of all the things that go into having a secure Windows environment. This will cover the gamut from Windows XP all the way through the upcoming Windows 7. We plan to post updates regularly and add some variety with guest posters throughout the security space here at Microsoft.

No matter if you are making the move from our old Windows Vista Security Blog or you are joining us for the first time, we welcome you and look forward to your comments. We will work hard to carry on great discussions with all of you!