The Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA), once a staple tool for security auditing in environments lacking Microsoft Update or local WSUS/SCCM servers, has been deprecated. While MBSA 2.3 extended support to Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1, it’s no longer developed or updated for newer systems like Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016, rendering it obsolete for these versions.
Installation and Usage of MBSA
MBSA can still be downloaded for systems compatible with its last version (up to Windows 8.1 and Server 2012 R2) from Microsoft’s official site. Its installation process is straightforward, involving the execution of the downloaded file.
Conducting Scans with MBSA
The tool offers both a command-line interface and a graphical user interface (GUI), the latter being more user-friendly for those less experienced. Scanning with MBSA involves launching the program, initiating a scan, and reviewing the automatically generated report, which identifies potential security issues along with a threat score to prioritize fixes.
Interpreting MBSA Scan Results
The report generated post-scan classifies findings based on severity:
- Red X: Critical condition needing immediate attention.
- Yellow !: Non-critical issue that should be resolved.
- Green Check: No issues found.
- Blue *: Best practice check.
- Blue I: System information.
Although MBSA remains relevant for certain older systems, its limited support necessitates seeking alternative solutions for newer operating systems. Organizations must adapt to evolving security tools that offer comprehensive coverage of the latest technologies.
Works Cited
- Microsoft. (2018, October 14). Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) removal and guidance on alternative solutions.
