Microsoft has rolled out Windows 2003 SP1.

One of its main new features (apart from bug fixes) is the Security Configuration Wizard, which helps reduce the “attack surface” by collecting data about specific server roles and then automatically blocking all services and ports that are not needed to carry out those roles.

The update also contains Microsoft’s Windows Firewall, permitting network-wide control though Group Policy. The firewall, which was also released with Windows XP Service Pack 2, serves as a host firewall around each client and server on the network.

With the inclusion of firewalling technology and the Security Configuration Wizard, rolling out this upgrade will require significant planning on any network to minimise potential client downtime.

Still, on the upside, it looks like Microsoft are getting serious (finally) about security!