Even with Windows Vista running on a machine there is absolutely no guarantee that the user is safe. Microsoft emphasized from the get-go that end users should not expect Vista to change the proved strategy of protection, namely the implementation of third party security solution with the platform. Michael Howard, a Senior Security Program Manager in the Security Engineering group, at Microsoft, emphasized in the past the fact that although Vista did manage to bring to the table a plethora of mitigations designed to increase the protection level offered by the operating system, users were still far from having a bulletproof product in their hands. One aspect of this scenario is the fact that Microsoft implemented no new security boundaries in Vista, but instead only added various security layers.

This is why, Ed Gibson, Chief Security Advisor at the Microsoft UK office in Reading, advised users to "Keep Everything Clear of the Doors" even in the context of Windows Vista. "Organized criminals are 'green', 'socially conscious agnostics', they want what is best for you - NOT!! Just like machines, THEY DON'T CARE who you are, where you grew up, what kind of accent you have, whether you're beautiful (or like me, a face made for radio); they operate without regard to your sex or religious affiliations - I call them 'THE EQUALIZERS'. They want what is yours - from your bank account, your identity, or even a bit of your bandwidth - oh yes, they can quite happily use your computer while you do and you may not ever know", Gibson revealed.

Although Microsoft's position is that Vista is by far the most secure operating system available on the market, the company is still advising users to keep their operating system up-to-date with the latest patches, and to do the same with additional software installed on top of the platform. At the same time, it is essential for users to deploy a security solution including an antivirus and a firewall for additional protection. "Possibly, 'just because you read this', you will take a moment and run the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool, will visit GetSafeOnline.org, or possibly even give the most important cyber gift of all - a trip to the wild side, WindowsMarketplace.com (click on Security Downloads) for free anti-malware. It will take you a few minutes; but a few minutes now might just save you months of hassle down the road", Gibson added.