CNET reports that software giant Microsoft is preparing the release of a new (free) security scanning software for Windows (XP). The software was developed in conclusion of the trustworthy computing iniative called to life by Microsoft chairman Bill Gates. The tool remains unannounced at the moment but a first functional version was shown at RSA Conference 2002. Calling the software Baseline Security Advisor it is said to work in the same fashion as the already known wizards implemented in Windows. BSA will scan the computer for unpatched software, weak passwords as well as vulnerabilities in the OS itself and furthermore on other Microsoft products. It was not revealed however how this will be achieved - if the tool only scans for known security issues it would be of little use (->Hotfix Checker). "Our goal is to allow (home) users to check their own machines," said Jason Shaw, lead product manager for Microsoft. "Company administrators can also use it to check their entire network." Source: CNET