Microsoft withheld a free patch from users of old software that “could have slowed the devastating spread of ransomware WannaCry to businesses,” opting to charge those using older versions instead, according to a report.
“Microsoft wanted hefty fees of up to $1,000 a year from businesses for ‘custom’ support and protection against attacks like WannaCry, which locks your computer unless you pay the hackers in bitcoin, said the publication,” reported CNET on Thursday. “While Microsoft finally did make the patch available free of charge to Windows XP machines last Friday, damage had already been done.”
“The company has since been trying to convince customers, business or otherwise, to switch to its newer and more secure Windows 10,” they continued, adding that “Despite the lack of cover, plenty of Microsoft’s customers are still running older software that may still be vulnerable.”
A Microsoft spokesman defended the company’s actions to CNET, claiming that users have a choice to upgrade and are warned about the security problems of using old software.
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18 comments:
Shows Microshaft is part of the elite who only care about money and probably had their hand in or with this virus... Along with others...
Microsoft scammed millions of us. There should be a class action. I still have my old computer that has info that I was unable to transfer since I am not one of those complete computer literate people.
This reminds me of the similar scams the FDA, oil companies, telecommunication and insurance companies to name a few that constantly conduct these types of scams.
My child, this era will harken the Demon Alien Reptile Invasion of the Mindless Ones (liberals, perverts!). Heed Need my words, repent !! This is the plan of the cybernetic organisms like the reptilian one and his Obama Brain Initiative!!
Microsoft is a big rip-off. They got greedy with software because people were holding on to their older versions so they stopped supporting them and now have 'subscriptions' instead of being able to buy CDs of software. They're a sham ripping off people stupid enough to buy PCs. You think they're cheap but in the long run, MS will nickel and dime you to death along with hackers hacking PCs at a much bigger rate than MAC OS. You might pay more for a Mac but you get free patches and security updates regardless of how old your operating system. They support their products better than any PC company and Microsoft. You get what you pay for.
Now take that $1,000 and add it to the $700 for the hardware and you just bought yourself an iMac that will be supported until you take a hammer to it or it just dies!
Convince is laughable! Coercion through forced patches and upgrades is their MO now - you have less control over your devices every day with these people.
Stopped using PC a long time ago because Microsoft uses their OS to spy on people. They did this to catch software poachers supposedly but who knows who they sell your information to. With Apple you have the choice whether or not to share info with them.
5:34 There's that crazy guy again! Still love to know who you are addressing with "My child!" Repent for what? Are you saying my soul will belong to Demonic repilian aliens with bionic brain implants. Get a life! You keep repeating this same stupid comment. It's weird as hell!
This is why I went to a MAC.
Joe, please SPAM 5:34 pm. They are using up my oxygen.
Windows XP was made 15 years ago and wasn't built with security in mind. It didn't have the firewall enabled by default until SP2. It was built during a time with 1/3 of households had internet - and that internet was dialup. It was a decade before Android and iPhones back when Blackberry, Palm and Symbian ruled the roost.
If you think XP is capable in today's internet, you are sadly mistaken. Windows 10 has it's own range of issues but it's a very secure system - the vast majority of "issues" come with additions like PDF, Office, etc.
And anyone who says "Thats why I got a Mac"... 15 year old Macs don't get updates either and you can't pay Mac for those updates if you are so inclined. Apple's phones get longer support than their desktops but Apple has a horrible support history with regard to their desktop os.
Funny how Apple products simply cannot be hacked.
Microsoft is a part of intelligence.
708 there's no accident to it. Microsoft wouldn't be able to do the scams they do if it weren't for government complicity. Think about it.
Once you go Mac, you never go back.
Microsoft is a dead man walking. The business model that made Microsoft what it is, is no longer viable.
Microsoft is attempting to shift to a subscription based OS and app provider.
Good luck on that Microsuck!
They're a sham ripping off people stupid enough to buy PCs.
May 22, 2017 at 6:13 PM
Isn't that what you are on, although you may call it a laptop?
Regardless, I'm sure you are happy with what you use as are the millions of us that are happy with what we use.
I personally don't like laptops unless that is all that is available at the time. But more importantly, I don't view others as less human or stupid who do choose to use them. Everyone is different, thank goodness. I would go crazy(ier) if everyone were like you. (or me)
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Funny how Apple products simply cannot be hacked.
Microsoft is a part of intelligence.
May 22, 2017 at 7:08 PM
That is simply not true. Apple can, and does, get hacked.
Unknown, it is known fact that Apple products are not hacked near as much as Windows products. For one, because of their expense, most people opt for the cheaper Windows machines. In the beginning, they appear cheaper but really aren't when you factor in BS like this patch costing customers money. Two, the OS info and programming code is highly guarded secret and most hackers would rather do easy hacks into a system easier to penetrate. Plus, Microsoft does have an 'in' with IC so they have a bit more info about the windows OS.
No one said Apples were never hacked, but they are a lot less vulnerable to hacking than windows machines. Sorry if you don't like the facts but it is what it is.
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