In addition, all US federal agencies sponsored by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) will gain access to Microsoft Windows and Office source codes and transparency through disclosure of technical information.
The goal of the GSP is to provide greater insight into the Windows and Office platforms’ integrity and enhance the government’s ability to design and build more secure computing infrastructures.
Today’s technologies pose unique security challenges for governments and industry, said Craig Mundie, senior vice president and chief technical officer of advanced strategies and policy at Microsoft. In collaboration with our government customers, we are evolving our technologies and services to ensure that the business of government is grounded in a foundation of trusted technology.
The program also promotes increased communication and collaboration between Microsoft security professionals and program participants, giving participants opportunities to visit Microsoft’s development facilities in Redmond and to review various aspects of Windows source-code development, testing and deployment processes.
In addition to GSP, Microsoft recently introduced the Security Cooperation Program (SCP), a no-fee initiative that provides a structured way for governments and Microsoft to engage in cooperative security activities in the areas of computer incident response, attack mitigation and citizen outreach. It aims to help governments address threats to national security, economic strength and public safety more efficiently and effectively through cooperative projects and information-sharing.
