Microsoft Forced to Suspend Email as a Notification System for Security Alerts

An email from Microsoft is circulating around today, hitting the inboxes of those who have subscribed to be alerting for news about Microsoft security information. As stated, email will no longer be utilized as a delivery mechanism for content about security bulletins, security advisories and security bulletin revisions.

Microsoft states the reason is due to a change in government policy around electronic message, but offers RSS feeds as an alternative.

The full email…

Notice to IT professionals:

As of July 1, 2014, due to changing governmental policies concerning the issuance of automated electronic messaging, Microsoft is suspending the use of email notifications that announce the following:

In lieu of email notifications, you can subscribe to one or more of the RSS feeds described on the Security TechCenter website.

For more information, or to sign up for an RSS feed, visit the Microsoft Technical Security Notifications webpage at http://technet.microsoft.com/security/dd252948

Not yet confirmed, but it's assumed this is because Canada's Anti-Spam Law Comes into Force on July 1, 2014. It's also important to recognize the word-smithing of the email and realize that Microsoft uses the word "suspending," seemingly to suggest that it may resume in the future. Many companies are now trying to figure out how the Canadian law will affect email communications. As soon as Microsoft is able to figure it out, it's possible that email will flow again for security information.

Per the new Canadian law, those that break the new convenant will face severe fines and penalties. Per Katt Stearns...

If you're not worried about this new law, you haven't been adequately information. To get a real understanding, read through Katt's article: Do You Send Messages To Your Customers and Clients? If Yes, You’ll Want To Read This...