#Microsoft attempts to protect us with #WindowsPatch - available for download #free! - http://clapway.com/2015/07/21/microsoft-releases-emergency-windows-patch-for-millions-at-risk-111/

“Patch Tuesday” came a little early this week, as Microsoft issued an emergency fix on Monday for what the company has considered a “critical” security vulnerability that puts users of all Windows versions at risk. Those with automatic updating enabled won’t have to worry, but for those who choose to update their systems manually, you can download the Windows patch yourself here.

A MASSIVE SECURITY LOOPHOLE

Microsoft labelled this bug as “Critical,” indicating the highest possible level of threat. Without the Windows patch, users of all versions of Windows, including Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 are subject to “remote code execution vulnerability,” allowing hackers to gain complete control over an unpatched system. Those who have been able to update to Windows 10 are also vulnerable to these cyberattacks. Through exploiting this bug, Microsoft claims hackers would be able to “…install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.”

WHAT WINDOWS PATCH FIXES

Prior to the latest patch, Windows handled custom fonts in such a way that hackers were able to attack unsuspecting victims through OpenType: a common format for computer fonts developed by Microsoft and Adobe. By convincing Windows users to open documents or websites with the affected fonts, hackers are able to gain complete control over their systems, leaving un-patched Windows systems completely defenseless.

First signs of this vulnerability came earlier this month, with reports from security company FireEye’s Genwei Jiang and Mateusz Jurczyk—partners that work for Google’s security team—who reported corrupt emails leaked online from cyberattackers who successfully used the security loophole to breach the systems of Italian online surveillance firm Hacking Team.

IMPACT ON THE FUTURE OF WINDOWS

This security vulnerability has come at an extremely unfortunate time for Microsoft, who has been eager to put the universally-despised nightmare that is Windows 8 behind them, with the release of Windows 10 in just two weeks. Microsoft has been proud to announce on multiple occasions that Windows 10 would have the best security system to date, outshining all other operating systems—a claim that has since been massively weakened, as it has been shown to be just as susceptible to cyberattacks as its previous versions. However, Microsoft still aims to keep to their schedule, sticking to their original release date of July 29th.

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Microsoft Releases Emergency Windows Patch for Millions at Risk

Better keep a close watch on all your accounts. - http://clapway.com/2015/07/11/leaked-emails-show-that-police-agency-was-looking-for-spyware-124/

An Italian company that sells surveillance software to law enforcement agencies and governments around the world is negotiating with a Florida police agency to provide them with spyware technology. This spyware technology, which was developed by Hacking Team, will be able to infiltrate computers, and phones. This is all according to some recently released emails. This spyware technology can monitor emails and conversations and even remotely activate cameras and microphones of cell phones and laptops, turning them into surveillance devices.

HACKING TEAM SUFFERED A DATA BREACH 6 DAYS AGO

Hacking Team was recently compromised in a data breach on July 5th, when unknown hackers posted a link to downloading more than 400 gigabytes of company data. A message that was posted to the Hacking Team’s hijacked Twitter account saying that since they have nothing to hide, they were publishing all of their files, emails and source codes.

THE HACKING TEAM WORKS WITH MANY DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

The files and emails have since been catalogued by WikiLeaks, have shown that the Hack Team was also not just in business with the United States. They were also selling their products to Bahrain, Russia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan Ethiopia and Azerbaijan.

HACKING TEAM WANTS TO GET INTO THE UNITED STATES MARKET

According to the files, this year the Hacking Team was looking to enter the large market of local police agencies within the United States. One of the most promising areas was in Florida. On April 22, an agent of one of the large major crimes task forces in Osceola and Orange counties emailed Hacking Team in regards to their products.

In less than a month, a Hacking Team employee flew from Italy to Orlando with four agents and invoiced the MBI officials for over $400,000. The Orlando law enforcement agents were concerned about laws that prevent bulk surveillance and collection from those who aren’t the targets in investigations.

MIB WAS INTERESTED, BUT CONCERNED ABOUT SEARCH WARRANTS

A major concern for the Florida law enforcement was the software of the Hacking Team’s products. They are designed to provide information about everyone that the target of the investigation communicates with. In order to comply with search warrants, the MBI would need for the Hacking Team to minimize the amount of information that would be collected.

Although this is the first documented contact between Hacking Team and Florida law enforcement, this is a reflection of Florida’s stance on aggressive surveillance technologies.

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Leaked Emails Show that Police Agency Was Looking for Spyware