Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Security Patch Available - NOT Automatic
InformationWeek pointed out today that Microsoft has posted a Windows XP SP2 wireless security patch to the Microsoft website, but hasn’t made it available via Windows Updates yet. That means that if you’ve done your Windows Updates for December (released Tuesday December 12th), you still don’t have the patch.
The patch is designed to make the Windows XP wireless connection process less vulnerable to attack when you are booting or resuming from hibernation. In particular, it’s designed to help prevent Windows XP from “advertising” which networks to which it wants to connect (which would make an attacker’s attempt easier).
This is especially important when you’re at a public access point like a coffee shop or other public hotspot.
It also “enhances” the Windows XP support for WPA2 encryption (which is only valuable if your network card supports WPA2 encryption).
If you can pass the Genuine Windows test, you can download the patch at Microsoft’s site.