|
June 26, 2017 - An apparent breach of some Microsoft servers may have just made the internet a much more dangerous place for users of the Windows 10 platform. The tech giant was apparently the target of hackers who managed to gain access to the company's private source code files - along with unpublished versions of the platform - and made those files available to download over the internet. In all, the files contained 32 terabytes of information, including private remarks and bug reports from the company's development team.
The now-published files are typically shared only internally at the company and with trusted business partners and developers. They were never meant for public dissemination.
Unfortunately, the files could give hackers a road-map to vulnerabilities within Windows 10 that will allow them to hack their way into virtually any computer that runs the program. This could lead to having your computer taken over for ransom, accessing user names and passwords and even lead to identity theft or other forms of fraud. The company believes the files were first accessed in March of this year, which may mean that hackers are already exploiting the leak.
To reduce exposure to hacking, everyone using Windows 10 should make sure that their computer is updated with the latest virus definitions and security patches. Windows 10 automatically updates for most users, but if you are on a metered network, you need to manually do your updates.
byJim Malmberg
Note: When posting a comment, please sign-in first if you want a response. If you are not registered, click here. Registration is easy and free.
Follow me on Twitter:
|
Identity Theft 
