'XP is not safe' say security firms

Top security experts have cautioned the eager adopters of XP and said Microsoft's overall .NET strategy exposes new platforms for virus writers.

Microsoft's .NET platform, the internet infrastructure for web services which relies on XP, allows virus writers to exploit Microsoft's known vulnerabilities and spread malware across different platforms, such as pocket PCs, and other .NET linked devices. The enhancements made to some of the applications can make it easier for viruses to spread according to the experts.

Eric Chien, chief researcher at Symantec, said the gradual phasing out of the MS assembly language inside an application will make it easier for viruses to spread across different platforms:

He said: "An executable file like notepad, has a language inside called assembly language which is gradually being replaced by MS Intermediate Language (MSIL). MSIL allows all low level executable files to be executed across different platforms very quickly, which could include those files hiding viruses."

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at security company Sophos, warned companies against XP's false sense of security.

He said: "Because XP-specific viruses have not been found in the wild yet, people are being lead to the assumption that XP is immune to virus attack. Viruses don't just target specific operating systems but infect them all. Users shouldn't be lulled into a false sense of security by treating Windows XP as an anti-virus measure."