Does Microsoft Show Hackers How To Attack?
After another security hole recently surfaced in Microsoft's Windows operating system, the software giant released a patch this past Friday to plug the possibly devastating "back door" which allows hackers to potentially seize control of any pc running Windows. The latest threat, "Download.Ject," infiltrates computers after users surfing with Microsoft's "Internet Explorer" web browser visit websites infected with the virus. This newest security patch covers Windows XP, 2000, and Windows Server 2003. Several factors make this latest development more disturbing than past discoveries of security problems with Internet Explorer, currently the most dominant web browser on the market. First, it demonstrates very clearly that criminals discovered they can use the power of viruses to very profitably steal important bank, personal, and credit data from people on a large scale. Second, it took Microsoft what many would consider a very long time to come up with a patch for this problem. Before a fix appeared, Microsoft told everyone who uses Internet Explorer to stick their finger in the dyke by putting their web browser security settings on high, rendering it impossible to view or use features on many websites and web-based services. Third, expect this to happen again as new holes open in the future when Microsoft makes Windows more complicated, adds layers of code, and generally makes the operating system more complex. This may sound like business as usual, however, I think this story actually points to a much deeper problem, one for which I'm not sure a simple solution exists. Though free and reasonably reliable, many people do not automatically update their Windows operating system through the update service on Microsoft's website. (I won't even get into how many people don't operate up-to-date anti-virus protection.) Whenever Microsoft publishes a security update, especially for a highly publicized and obviously widespread security breach, thousands of people will not immediately download the update. In fact, tens-of-thousands of users will not download these security updates for days, weeks, even months (if ever). So let me ask what seems like a very elementary question: By publishing security updates that point out very obvious flaws in their system, doesn't Microsoft also point the way to exactly where the holes exist? Let me put it another way. Doesn't this rate the same as discovering that the local bank vault won't lock and then announcing the details on the front page of the paper along with the dates and times no bank guard will be on duty? After all, if tens-of-thousands of users won't immediately get the Microsoft Security Patch, don't those patches show hackers exactly which holes get plugged (and which, logically, must already be open without the patch)? It doesn't take a hacker with more than a basic set of skills to recognize where and what holes got fixed and then reverse-engineer how they can get into computers that don't get updated. Now, do I have a concrete, 100% bullet-proof answer to this problem? Unfortunately, I don't have more than a common- sense answer... At this point, your best defense rates staying current on the latest threats and how to defend against them. Keep your anti-virus software current, your firewall up, and your Windows software updated with the latest security patches. Though not a perfect solution, at least you'll have a fighting chance to prevent, or at least minimize, any possible threats. For more information from Microsoft's website, go here http://www.ebookfire.com/download-ject.html About The Author Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co-author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how to use fr^e articles to quickly drive thousands of targeted visitors to your website or affiliate links... http://www.TurnWordsIntoTraffic.com © Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved http://www.thenetreporter.com
Related News
Tech Weekly: Windows 7 and location based services - guardian.co.uk
Personal Tech: ABCs of online security - Salt Lake Tribune
Personal Tech: ABCs of online securitySalt Lake Tribune, United States -Aug 12, 2008Boulder, Colorado - More than 18 million college students will head back to school this fall and nearly every one of them owns a personal computer. ... |
Tech Mahindra’s future, sans BT - Livemint
Tech Mahindra’s future, sans BTLivemint, India -3 hours agoHere are some figures: on 23 June 2006, personal loans constituted 27.33% of total non-food credit outstanding, while credit to the infrastructure sector ... |
N-Power announces Tech Pragati scholarships - Economic Times
N-Power announces Tech Pragati scholarshipsEconomic Times, India -7 hours agoScholarships upto 50% of the course fees will be awarded to meritorious students on the basis of their performance in an aptitude test and a personal... |
Personal Tech: iPhone just got smarter - Salt Lake Tribune
Personal Tech: iPhone just got smarterSalt Lake Tribune, United States -Aug 19, 2008By Vince Horiuchi "Crash Kart,"a Mario Kart-like driving game, is shown running on Apple's new iPhone 3G. With all the hoopla over the iPhone 3G and its new ... |
Here, there, everywhere . . . where am I? - Atlanta Journal Constitution
Here, there, everywhere . . . where am I?Atlanta Journal Constitution, USA -8 hours agoMy thoughts are increasingly disjointed as I wind down my final few days covering Tech as there are a lot of loose ends to tie up professionally, etc., ... |
TECH BLOG One Less Windows User - LinuxInsider.com
TECH BLOG One Less Windows UserLinuxInsider.com, CA -12 hours agoBy Jason Z. Cohen After nearly five years, I needed to update my personal computer. My old Dell Inspiron has long since been rendered quaint by advances in ... |
McCain Outlines Technology Policy - Broadcasting & Cable
McCain Outlines Technology PolicyBroadcasting & Cable, NY -8 hours agoThe tech policy section of the site also suggests McCain will favor personal responsibility and technological fixes for controlling content. ... |
Security With Advanced Technology and PepperBall Technologies ... - CNNMoney.com
Jews aim to use tech tactics to counter anti-Obama 'rumor mill' - Ha'aretz
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
HTML Explained: Part 2
Get started creating web pages using text files and HTML code! This article is a continuation of HTML Explained: Part 1, which gives a general overview of HTML. Here, we're going to get into the nitty gritty of the code itself. Once you see how simple it really is, you should RUN, not walk to the nearest bookstore and grab your own copy of a handy HTML manual. All right, let's begin.
Your Computer Cant Keep Time
A computer needs a certain amount of information to operate; for example, the date and time, the amount of memory installed, the number of drives and their configuration, and so on. In the early days of computers, either the user typed in this information each time the computer started, or it was set using DIP switches and jumpers. Today, computers store this information in a CMOS chip that uses a small battery to retain the information when the computer is shut off.
Dynamite Comes in Small Packages - Tiny Personal Audio MP3 Players Pack Powerful Music Enjoyment
MP3 players are Hot! Playing music has come a long way since the transistor radio, portable tape and CD player days. Most players are no larger than a deck of cards. Eliminating the need to lug around tapes or CD's, digital music players re-define convenience and portability.
Make Windows XP Run Faster!
A friend told me: "My computer startup seems to be taking a long time. And when the hard disk finally stops churning, everything just seems slower than when it was new. Can you suggest any maintenance tips to reduce the startup time and make Windows run faster?"
The Many Benefits of Owning a DVR
Has This Ever Happened To You? OK.. it's Friday night, the kids are asleep, and a movie you've been waiting for is on Pay-Per-View for the first time. You buy the movie, grab a bag of popcorn, get all comfy on the couch, and ten minutes into the movie "RINGGGG" it's the _______ phone!!! (you fill in the blank).
Favorite Things To Do With Home Technology
Save money. Save 10-15% on utility bills per month. Work with products that have a good value now, but also save money throughout the ownership of the home. Get energy savings through lighting management, irrigation control, solar energy, and temperature control. Lower monthly bills-how can you say no to that?
Is Your Web Browser Putting You At Risk?
It's free, it comes with Windows and it's used by approximately 94% of the Internet population. It also poses an unacceptable security risk. What am I talking about? If you guessed Internet Explorer, you're right on the money. So, is your web browser putting you at risk? If you're one of the 94% using Internet Explorer, the answer is a definite *yes*. By my math, quite a few people require critical information for protection.
How Do MP3 Players Work? Digital Audio Technology Revolutionizes Music Enjoyment
Millions have enjoyed recorded music since 1877 when Thomas Edison invented the phonograph. Then came radio, records, tapes and CD's. But today's digital audio players are a quantum leap forward in music technology. To understand what makes these music players so revolutionary, let's explore the question, "How do mp3 players work?"
Your Affiliate Business - Peripherals, Software, Computers
I have always been interested in computers, but in the beginning, I would not venture any further than to the software end of learning. However, learning only the software side, and knowing nothing about the hardware side, can open you up to some costly times at the shop.
Font Organizers Review, Part I
Do you know how many fonts are currently installed on your PC? What is the difference between OpenType, TrueType, PostScript Type 1 and Printer fonts? If the answer is 'No', it's time to consider getting a font organizer.
Use Your Computer For Your Entertainment Needs
By using your computer today you can find a lot of different music and movie programs. From downloading music and movies directly from the internet to buying subscriptions, joining clubs, and even renting, all from the comfort of your home.
Digital Cameras: How Many Pixels Do I Need?
With the bewildering number of digital cameras on the market, it's increasing difficult to know where to start for your first purchase. One of the major determining factors of the price of a digital camera is the number of pixels. Nowadays, even 5.0 megapixel cameras are affordable, even for casual snapshots.
How To Search Your PC With Google Desktop
In this era of Internet, most people are frequent users of
computers. Many of us use computers through out the day,
accumulating morasses of information in various formats, which
include email, digital photo, word document, spreadsheet,
presentation file, ebook, article, other downloaded files,
music, visited web pages, and many others. We stuff them in
multiple folders in our PC. Before we know it, our hard drives
become a storeroom of misplaced items. As a result, finding a
needed file of information some times become a daunting task!
Why Get a Microsoft MCSE Certification?
In the years of the dot com boom and bust, the Microsoft MCSE Certification has gotten its eye blackened over an over. Paper Microsoft MCSE's who were excellent at finding brain dumps and passing exams gave the Microsoft MCSE Certification a bad name. What used to be a guarantee of a nice salary is now ridiculed in some ignorant circles. After working in the Information Technology field for twelve years I still believe the Microsoft MCSE Certification is worth every dollar you spend and every hour spent in study and practice. I'll share my history with the Microsoft MCSE Certification and why I still believe it's a valuable certification credential.
HTML Explained: Part 1
Want to save money while promoting your web-based business? Of course you do. Here's some advice on the matter, from a freelance copywriter who knows: it pays to learn the basics of HTML.
Ergonomics and Healthy Computing - Positioning Your Body For Maximum Comfort At Your Computer
Do you remember the old saw about how computers would change our lives for the better? We'd have more time to ourselves and lead healthier, happier lives. The truth is computers do make processing information lightening fast. It's just that today, we have so much more information to process and so many more distractions that the computer, via the Internet, has brought into our lives.
Compare MP3 Players for the Coolest Features and Sweetest Deals
How can you compare mp3 players to be sure you're getting the best features and price? You've checked some mp3 player ratings, and they're helpful. But iPod reviews and ratings don't answer all your questions. So how do you decide?
Password Nightmares
Good Morning Mr. Sampson. Please type in you Personal Identification Number
Home Electronics: The Facts About Plasma TV
Not so many years ago, homes across the country watched
their favorite TV shows on a bulky floor model that took
awhile to warm up before you could see the picture, didn't
offer anything in the way of remote control manipulation
and offered a washed out image on the TV's cathode ray tube
hosted screen...and folks were thrilled to have such
marvelous technology in their midst. Today, all of that's
been changed, with the introduction of plasma TV.
A Beginners Guide to Avoiding Viruses
"Aaaaaahhhhhh! I've been invaded by a virus!" Getting a virus means getting sick and no one in their right mind wants to be ill. Well, now that computers have become our close friends, it's a shock to learn that foreign bodies too can invade them with malicious intent. No, your computer doesn't get a runny nose or diarrhea. This is a sickness that stops your friend from functioning properly, sick in bed, incapacitated.
|