Microsoft

From Russia With Cyber Love

October 30, 2014 — Leave a comment

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If you want to be a true superpower, then you have to prove yourself in both real and cyber worlds. Take Russia for an indicative example. On the one side, we have the legendary Kaspersky Lab in the field of cyber security. On the other side, who do we have on the other side to represent the dark side?

How about the Sandworm Group? These Russian SF and cyber crime fans have definitely made their mark worth noticing. They were able to infiltrate into the very core Windows structure. And now, the entire Western Hemisphere trembles because of one tiny, but an extremely powerful cyber worm.

Now, you have it. All of the life changing knowledge, which can move the mountains being used for harmful causes. Does not this break your heart? There are some serious accusations that the Sandworm has the government’s support and logistics. Which government? Well you do not have to guess twice, do you?

On the other side, the funny thing in this story is that the USA accuses Russia for the same things it does with its cyber children. There is no safe place for us to be, is it? We wanted to rest a little bit from the horrors of the real world, but in vain. The cyber Ukraine is already waiting us there to haunt us.

Microsoft Online Services Bug Bounty Program

October 3, 2014 — Leave a comment

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Here is a nice way for you to earn $500, or even more. Microsoft has launched the Bug Bounty Program for its online services. The awards begin with the amount of $500 and increase accordingly. Yet, you are required to focus your findings on the MS online services alone. And, there is one more thing.

You need to identify a problem as precisely as possible and offer the most suitable suggestion in order to resolve it successfully. Microsoft will carefully evaluate your contributions and award you accordingly. It comes without saying that is a good and highly recommended activity for any IT player.

This brings us back to the good old days when we had a promising abundance of the bug bounty programs and competitions. Those were the days, weren’t they? It seems that we needed some time to start appreciating again the benefits of these recently undermined ways of improving the cyber security.

We sure hope that other players of the major IT league will join the party, as well. This is an extremely efficient solution for our cyber troubles, which we often take for granted. Luckily, there is a sign of positive changes on the horizon. So, what are you waiting for? The grandpa Microsoft dares you.

Putinux

September 23, 2014 — Leave a comment

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The more serious political and military conflict between the West and Russia becomes, the less likely is that US based IT titans will hold their previous positions in Russia. For what is worth, Microsoft opened the Russian door, and it is more than obvious that it will close them eventually. What is the situation now?

On the one side, Russian government transfers its entire IT infrastructure from Windows to Linux on a massive and an unprecedented scale. On the other side, one serious rumor has it that Russian IT experts are working on their own version of Windows. In this matter, China has set an excellent example.

The game of stubbornness in the IT field has literally become a grotesque one with no signs of improvement. What is next? Nowadays, you have to be a rocket scientist or lucky to find a single Apple’s device in the Russian government. The IT nationalism is an inevitable reality and there is nothing we can do about it.

The most serious challenge is the World Wide Web. It is only a matter of time before the Balkanization syndrome strikes the Internet itself. For the time being, only China has the appropriate capacities to launch its own Internet at any given moment. How far is the Internet made in Russia?

Old Plugins. New Trouble.

August 17, 2014 — Leave a comment

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It seems that the Microsoft’s troubles with the updates and lack of technical support for the older versions will eventually turn into an endless saga. For what is worth, Microsoft has been caught in the crossfire. Unfortunately, there is not much it can really do about it in the first place.

On the one hand, we have loyal, but extremely stubborn Windows users, who are not eager to leave their XP, Vista or Windows 7 versions behind. On the other side, there is a crumbling pressure of the ever present cyber threat. The unprotected Windows has become the hackers’ Eldorado.

Therefore, Microsoft has decided to block all old web plugins with the latest update in order to increase the level of cyber security. In addition, one very serious rumor has it that Microsoft is so desperate that it is willing to give away Windows 9 for free to XP users just to make them to leave it.

It comes without saying that this is a tricky situation for Microsoft. Which one hurts less? To lose Windows users or its flawless reputation as a cyber-threats-proof place. Oh, this is tough one, undoubtedly. They will need all rocket scientists, they can find to solve this puzzle successfully.

Windows XP An Open Source?

August 16, 2014 — Leave a comment

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Are you ready to hear an interesting suggestion? It directly refers to the troubles associated with the lack of support for the XP users all around the world. Almost one quarter of all personal computers in the world still run on the XP. The users are stubborn, and Microsoft is extremely frustrated.

You are supposed to move to the new Windows version. However, for some reason you are still using the XP. Microsoft leaves you to be all on your own. The hackers are applauding to this unexpected opportunity to penetrate the systems more easily. Is there an acceptable solution for this situation?

Well, there are some voices saying that the “abandoned” XP should become an open source. This will allow the enthusiastic developers to develop the adequate updates and protection for this outdated OS. Are we too naive to believe that Microsoft will accept this kind of a bold suggestion?

The things are extremely serious with this one. Microsoft even examines an idea to offer free Windows 9 package to all XP, Vista and Windows 7 users. If there is no other way for them to switch to the newest OS version, why not? Under these circumstances the open source concept does not seem as such a bad idea.

Top Hackers’ Destinations This Summer

August 12, 2014 — Leave a comment

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The things have changed this summer. So far, Java has been the most favorite destination for hackers during the warmest period of the year. However, according to the findings of the Bromium Labs  it seems that the hackers have found the next big summer hit – the good old Internet Explorer.

What is so special about the Internet Explorer? Well, you should probably know by now that ensuring the technical support for the outdated versions is definitely the Achilles’ heel for Microsoft. Windows XP cannot count on the support including Internet Explorer 8. No support + no updates = no protection.

The trouble with Microsoft users is that they are unadorably loyal and surprisingly stubborn. Every now and then, Microsoft urges them to move to the latest versions available. Nevertheless, they keep using older versions of both Windows and IE while demanding the continuous support regardless of the circumstances.

And, here it goes. While the two sides are arguing, in our case Microsoft and users, the third party takes an advantage of the situation. The hackers just could not wish for more. Stubborn and reckless users, who are swimming in the unprotected waters. Hunting season is on. Update or suffer, there is no third option.

Microsoft vs China

August 11, 2014 — Leave a comment

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The golden road to the Chinese market is definitely covered with thorns. Google has had the honor to experience it first hand on behalf of the first group of the US based IT hunger of extra profit. It seems that Microsoft now has to hit the Great Wall in China, literally and mercilessly.

The Chinese authorities first paused the decision about introducing Windows 8 on its government’s computers. Then, they have decided to pay an unexpected visit to all major Microsoft’s offices all over China. You can rest assured that these were not entirely friendly talks about the weather and local food.

China has a nice alibi for all of these actions. It rides on a wave of the growing global concern closely associated with the spying controversies. However, you do not have to be a rocket scientist to see for yourself that something simpler is making all the noise here. Can you give your best shot?

It all comes down to the question of business and money, sooner or later, this way or another. The USA will pressure China with its accusations about the technology espionage, and China itself will fight back with the suspicions about the political spying activities. This is light years away from the win-win situation for both.