For Windows Vista Security, Microsoft called in US National Security Agency

I stumbled upon this article on the Washington post today on how the National Security Agency helped Microsoft develop the security on windows vista. The agency said that it has helped in the development of the security of Microsoft new operating system “the brain of a computer” to protect it from worms, Trojan horses, and other insidious computer attackers.

Microsoft has not promoted the NSA’s contributions, mentioning on its website the agency’s role only at the end of its “windows vista Security Guide” which states the guide is not intended for home users, but for information and security specialist.

Microsoft declined to be specific about the contributions the NSA made to secure windows vista. The NSA also declined to be specific, but said it used two groups, a “red team” and a “blue team” to test vista security. The red team posed as the determined, technically competent, adversary to disrupt, corrupt or steal information, they pretended to be the hackers. The blue team helped defense department system administrators with vista configuration.

With hundreds of thousands of defense department employees using Microsoft software, the NSA realizes that it’s in its own interest to make the product as secure as possible. “It’s partly recognition that this is a commercial world “sager said. Our customers have spoken.

Industry observers suggest that both the NSA and Microsoft have good reason to disclose their relationship, for Microsoft, the NSA’s imprimatur may be viewed as a vote of confidence in the operating system’s security.

Armstrong, the Microsoft manager said “the entire crux of vista was security; security is at the forefront of our thoughts, and our methods in developments, and is critically important to our customers.

Very interesting info, you can read the entire article at Washington post here. What do you think about the role of NSA in helping on windows vista security? Remember this agency is known for their eavesdropping on foreign government officials, and now on US citizens as part of the bush administration policy to combat terrorism.