Vista vs Hackers

Windows Vista Beta 2 includes a new defense against buffer overrun exploits called address space layout randomization. Not only is it in Beta 2, it’s on by default too. It is called Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and it loads key system files in different memory locations each time the PC starts, making it harder for malicious code to run…

Michael Howard, senior security program manager writes:

It is not a panacea, it is not a replacement for insecure code, but when used in conjunction with other technologies, which I will explain shortly, it is a useful defense because it makes Windows systems look “different” to malware, making automated attacks harder.