Firewalls, Patches and Updates. Oh My! | eWeek

Firewalls, Patches and Updates. Oh My!

Written By
Cheryl Currid
Cheryl Currid
Dec 18, 2003
1 minute read
eWeek content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More

Microsoft products, chief target of every deranged real and would-be hacker, have many vulnerable holes. This year large companies and government agencies became collateral damage when hormonal driven hackers set about to flex muscles. Over one and a half a million computers fell prey to viruses and worms. Lost productivity was measured in the billions.

But big problems usually mean big opportunities. These issues are understood by customers and they need help executing solutions—software patches and products that scan for vulnerable areas. For those who can put together the brain-power and tools, today could be a great day to start selling vulnerability assessments and regular follow ups.

Look at the warnings that came before the “Blaster” virus. Microsoft knew about the problem and on July 16th published a fix for the vulnerability. The software company reported that about 40 million users downloaded the patch during the first two weeks of August. Unfortunately, millions more failed to do so. They and their problems made history along with accused perpetrator Jeffrey Lee Parson (aka TeeKid).

For the full story, go to the Channel Zone.

Discuss This in the eWEEK Forum

eWeek Logo

eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site's focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.