Microsoft allows access to 64-bit Windows Vista

Microsoft has just decided to publish APIs in Vista for rival security vendors to ease recent criticisms that Microsoft has blocked access to Windows Vista kernel. 64-bit.

The decision to publish these APIs also means that Microsoft empowers access to information in 64-bit Vista cores for security software developers so they can create applications similar to those written. for Windows XP and Vista 32-bit before.

" We have provided the first technical drafts of new APIs for Windows Vista, to help independent or specialized security software vendors develop software that extends Windows core functionality. on 64-bit systems without compromising the protection offered by Kernel Patch Protection, "said Ben Fathi, Microsoft's Windows security manager.

Kernel Patch Protection is the name Microsoft gave to a set of technologies that were first deployed for 64-bit Windows XP, and later expanded to Vista 64-bit. Also known as "PatchGuard", this technology allows to block all access to the operating system kernel, and thus will prevent any interaction in the kernel, including parts. third-party software. Microsoft was proud to say that PatchGuard will be the key security technology to prevent the spread of rootkits and other malicious software.

However, some security firms, including Symantec and McAfee, say PatchGuard is Microsoft's wrong move, and urged the company to provide APIs so that outside developers can write similar programs. like with Vista.

Under the pressure of the EU antitrust agency, in mid-October, Microsoft promised to design and deliver the API to allow outside developers to access data in the Vista kernel.This move was appreciated by some analysts but did not win the hearts of partner security companies.