05.14.09
At Least 11 More “Critical” Vulnerabilities (Highest Severity) at Microsoft
Summary: Massive security update from Microsoft, which neglects Mac-using customers
MICROSOFT LIES about the real number of vulnerabilities which it patches, but this time we know that the lower bound for last month is 14, 11 of which are “critical” (typically meaning that they permit hijacking of the operating system remotely). Here is one report on the subject.
That one update patched 14 separate vulnerabilities, 11 of which were rated “critical,” Microsoft’s highest threat ranking.
As the above article notes, Microsoft, as usual, leaves Mac users vulnerable because of its software. It’s already trying to defend this practice.
Microsoft has defended its decision to release a Windows-only security patch for its Office program after a researcher warned it put Mac users of the software at risk.
The software poses great risks, it makes botnets, and the US government is growing nervous.
The United States’ top commanding officer for the space and cyber domains told reporters last week that a cyber attack could merit a more conventional military response.
[...]
Following numerous attacks on Pentagon networks, with adversaries copying terabytes of military data, the United States has increased its focus on locking down its networks and formulating a military doctrine for cyberspace. Many of the attacks on US networks are launched from servers in the People’s Republic of China, leading officials to blame Chinese government-funded hackers for the attacks.
Microsoft is becoming a liability and a matter of national security. █
“Our products just aren’t engineered for security.”
–Brian Valentine, Microsoft executive
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