Barney's Blog

Blog archive

IPv6 No Security Panacea

It seems that IPv6 has been imminent for the past decade -- just like the coming collapse of Microsoft that never happened. In fact, it's been nearly 10 years since I interviewed Vint Cerf, who pushed IT and the Internet as a whole to adopt the new protocol because we were running out of addresses. 

There has been some movement, and Microsoft support sure hasn't hurt. But those that proselytize IPv6 for its increased security might want to cool their heels: It's not radically more secure than good, old IPv4.

It seems that hackers are poring through IPv6 textbooks and technical docs (can't get a date, eh?) and finding holes. However, others argue that done right and done from scratch, IPv6 can be the platform for a more rational, secure network infrastructure. And its longer addresses should be harder to crack.

Have you moved or are you moving to IPv6? Give me the lowdown at [email protected].

Posted by Doug Barney on September 18, 2009


Featured

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.

  • An image of planes flying around a globe

    2025 Microsoft Conference Calendar: For Partners, IT Pros and Developers

    Here's your guide to all the IT training sessions, partner meet-ups and annual Microsoft conferences you won't want to miss.

  • Notebook

    Microsoft Centers AI, Security and Partner Dogfooding at MCAPS

    Microsoft's second annual MCAPS for Partners event took place Tuesday, delivering a volley of updates and directives for its partners for fiscal 2026.

  • Microsoft Layoffs: AI Is the Obvious Elephant in the Room

    As Microsoft doubles down on an $80 billion bet on AI this fiscal year, its workforce reductions are drawing scrutiny over whether AI's ascent is quietly reshaping its human capital strategy, even as official messaging avoids drawing a direct line.