Secure Your Windows and Office 2007 Installations

Paul Cooke — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:20:00 GMT

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.]

Windows Security Blog : Office

Secure Your Windows and Office 2007 Installations