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Posted in Microsoft, Security, Windows at 6:34 am by Dr. Roy Schestowitz
Corollary: People may start caring about computer security not when businesses become less productive but when disaster eventually strikes
WE’VE already shown that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is relying on a great deal of Windows [1, 2], so it’s not surprising to find it getting cracked again. From the news:
i. FAA admits problems with hackers
=> ↺ FAA admits problems with hackers
According to CNET, the US Federal Aviation Administration has admitted that hackers have broken into the air traffic control mission-support systems several times in recent years. In one case they managed to become ‘insiders’ to the network.
ii. Report: Hackers broke into FAA air traffic control systems
=> ↺ Report: Hackers broke into FAA air traffic control systems
Hackers have broken into the air traffic control mission-support systems of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration several times in recent years, according to an Inspector General report sent to the FAA this week.
Also in the news in recent days:
i. Researchers Release Bootkit Code Targeting Windows 7
=> ↺ Researchers Release Bootkit Code Targeting Windows 7
Dubbed Vbootkit 2.0, the software was first presented by researchers Vipin Kumar and Nitin Kumar at the Hack In The Box security conference in Dubai in April. At the conference, the two researchers demonstrated how attackers could circumvent security features implemented in the kernel and gain control over Windows 7 (x64).
ii. Microsoft to patch ‘critical’ PowerPoint hole
=> ↺ Microsoft to patch ‘critical’ PowerPoint hole
Microsoft plans to patch a hole in its PowerPoint presentation program, the company said in an advanced bulletin that was notable because it contained only a single update.
iii. Botnet master hits the kill switch, takes down 100,000 PCs
=> ↺ Botnet master hits the kill switch, takes down 100,000 PCs
Those behind the Zeus botnet recently decided to press the big red button, bluescreening 100,000 computers around the globe. Security experts aren’t sure why yet, although they have some ideas.
iv. Windows and Viruses – Made for each other
=> ↺ Windows and Viruses – Made for each other
This is the screenshot of the cnet’s download.com which shows the most popular downloads for windows. The first five positions are taken by anti-virus software :-). Sadly there is no ‘Linux’ download section but ‘Mac’ has a place.
v. Microsoft ‘fixes’ its malware problem
=> ↺ Microsoft ‘fixes’ its malware problem
Computerworld has an Microsoft WGA/WAT spokesman quoted as saying: “When we went out and talked to customers, we found that activation was the concept that resonated most strongly with them”.The quote ends there, but may have ended: “…Like memories of the first time they were kicked in the groin.”In any case, Microsoft’s draconian licensing enforcement ‘technology’ is malware by its own definition. And it’s forced on the user through EULAs of questionable legality.There is no advantage to it for the user, only advantages for Microsoft. And renaming it won’t make it more attractive to users or any more palatable.Maybe someday, smart users will stop buying software products that have a built-in remote off switch.
Name changes never resolve problems, except for perceptual problems. █
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