Microsoft is discontinuing its Security Updates alert e-mail from July 2005 and implementing a RSS feed replacement. Users should subscribe to this RSS feed for all security update information released by Microsoft. Internet Explorer and Firefox will render the XML feed as a page thanks to XSL transform, and the feed works on RSS readers as well.

This feed delivers the headlines on major security update releases, which are usually released on the second Tuesday of each month.

As an alternative, Microsoft is implementing Security Updates through MSN Alerts. Microsoft Security Update Alerts notify users when information has been posted on the Security Web site that explains a situation in nontechnical terms, lists the software affected, and provides additional information. Users can set their preferences to receive these alerts through MSN Messenger, Windows Messenger, e-mail, or on a mobile device such as your mobile phone (via SMS) or Windows Mobile Pocket PC and Smartphone.

The Microsoft Security Newsletter is still active and the company says its the authoritative information source for Microsoft's security strategies and priorities. The monthly newsletter is written for IT professionals, developers, and business managers.

Home users can also subscribe to their own newsletter, on a easier to understand format.