Your daily round-up of some of the other stories in the news
Ransomware-proof Windows?
Microsoft is drumming up publicity for its new operating system Windows 10 S with the boast that “No known ransomware works against Windows 10 S”.
The new OS, a version of Windows 10 “streamlined for security” is hardened for security and will only run applications downloaded from the Windows Store.
ZDNet reports that the claim was made by Microsoft during the launch of its “Next-gen ransomware protection with Windows 10 Creators Update” whitepaper. Seasoned observers will note that hackers are inclined to regard claims of invulnerability, or anything close to it, as an invitation to which the appropriate response is “challenge accepted”.
Al Jazeera under cyberattack
TV news channel Al Jazeera took to Twitter yesterday to announce that it was the focus of cyber-attack hitting “all systems, websites and social media platforms”:
BREAKING: Al Jazeera Media Network under cyber attack on all systems, websites & social media platforms. More soon: https://t.co/9o3ihGGVjD pic.twitter.com/ZlBBEpTDf6
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 8, 2017
The Qatar-based company told Sky News is was the victim of “systematic and continual hacking attempts”.
On 5 June 2017 Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the UAE withdrew their ambassadors from Qatar and implemented an economic blockade of the tiny gulf state. The blockade was sparked by inflammatory remarks apparently made by the emir of Qatar, remarks that the FBI have since claimed were the work of freelance Russian hackers working for an as-yet unnamed country.
Director Coats keeps quiet on surveillance of US citizens
The Independent reports that the USA’s Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats declined to say how many US citizens have been snagged by the government’s dragnet surveillance.
Testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Coats said it is ‘infeasible’ to offer an estimate of the number of Americans’ whose communications have been intercepted by the NSA.
The director had previously promised at his confirmation hearing to provide just such an estimate.
Interest in the extent of the NSA’s surveillance of US citizens, accidental or otherwise, has been a matter of significant interest since Edward Snowden revealed how vast the agency’s secret global surveillance operation really is.
Catch up with all of today’s stories on Naked Security
Mahhn
Alt headlines:
MS emulates Apple, to give themselves 10s for security.
Hackers get All Jazzee ‘ra over fake news.
Quiet Coats don’t lie, still should be hung out to dry.
Bryan
Windows 10S is five years late for the centennial:God himself could not sink this OS
alex.theoto
So, Win 10S will force you to install only from Microsoft’s Store.
On one hand, this is more secure but how do we know how Microsoft compiled open source software and how do we know is Microsoft added a trucking script or a backdoor when _lets say_ Firefox is compiled. I’m not sure how secure this option is…
Instead of creating better and stronger kernel shield, and better monitoring for any suspicious activity to warn the user, they’ll just force you to download from their app store. And what about if a software will never be in app store?
Bryan
And what about if a software will never be in app store?
The embodiment of a corporation shooting itself in the foot, it gives Apple and GNU/Linux a bump.
Those who have been Apple-curious may now try it, since this will reduce differences; those who dislike the Apple walled garden may find themselves Linux-curious after all.
Jim
Redmond is still attempting to push GWX to my PC. I will go Linux or Apple before allowing 10 into my PC. My Win 7 with IE11 is hardened to all malware. No system is 100% secure, including 10S scam.
Paul Ducklin
I don’t think you have to worry about getting Windows 10 of any flavour pushed to you as it hasn’t been free for some time… so you only get it if you pay for it.
tech guy
Everytime MS increases security customers complain but the they blame MS when they contract a virus and their updates have not been installed in months or even years. Just go be an Apple or Anvoid fan boy/girl and shut it.
Wilderness
…or just install the updates like a responsible adult.
0laf
Windows 10S as secure as it is useless.