New Microsoft Release

Latest+security+release+from+Microsoft.+

Photo courtesy of BBC

“Latest security release from Microsoft.”

Microsoft has released an amazing update to stop hackers taking control of computers and electronic devices with a single email address. The unusual bug, in Microsoft anti-malware software such as Windows Defender, could be discovered without the recipient even opening the message. Researchers working for Google’s Project Zero cyber-security have found the flaw at the weekend. The fix has been specially pushed out hours before the software giant’s weekly Tuesday security update.

If possible, Hackers could exploit the flaw simply by sending an infected email, instant message or getting the user to click on a web browser link. Windows 8, 8.1, 10 and Windows Server operating systems are very affected by the bug. Anti-virus software such as Windows Defender would merely have to scan the malicious content for the exploit to be triggered. On some computers, scans are set up to occur almost instantly – “real-time protection” – or to take place at a scheduled time.

 

“Anti-virus normally tries to intercept these things before you get to them,” stated the cyber-security. They have mentioned it was “tremendous” that Microsoft had released the patch so quickly & efficiently. So far the bug was discovered by the Google Project Zero researchers Tavis Ormandy and Natalie Silvanovich. And Mr Ormandy later stated on twitter, that he was amazing how this was released right away.

 

The vulnerability allows for remote code execution: “the thing all the malicious attackers are aiming for”, Mr Cluley told the BBC.”It means they can install code on to your computer without your permission – it means they can hijack your computer.” Mr Cluley did add, however, that he thought the Project Zero protocol for announcing the vulnerability had been risky, because it included information that malicious hackers might have found useful. “That can help the bad guys,” he said.

 

At the moment, Windows users can check that they are running the latest Windows Defender version (1.1.13704.0), which should download automatically, to make sure they are not at risk – or hit the update button. Sarah Ruggles (10), stated “Wow! That’s incredible. Microsoft is very fast, it’s amazing how they do it. I used to have computer virus issues before!” By viewing what the new fix to the hacking issues and viruses, it looks like most people are satisfied! Alex Koch (10) says “I used to have a virus on my computer and by the looks of this new creation, it might be able to play an effect on my technology like my computer.”