Windows Bug Latest Updates; Flaw To Rig US Elections? Russian Hackers Allegedly Exploiting Windows Bug

By Jeff Thompson - 03 Nov '16 08:22AM

It was reported that last month Google found a bug in Windows and the firm disclosed the information public after 10 days. It has created a war of words between Microsoft and Google and now it is reported that Microsoft is getting ready with a security patch to address the issue. It is expected to release next month. The Windows flaw is creating storms in U.S. presidential election as well, concerning security issues.

The windows flaw is a zero-day vulnerability, which can create adverse impacts on networks, data, and computer programs, per reports. These types of flaws are not being reported or made public before it becomes active and the developer of the software or OS won't get time to prepare patches immediately. It should be noted that there are reports confirming the hackers are exploiting the Windows flaw.

The Windows flaw is reportedly affecting Windows Kernel which can be said affecting supervisor mode, the most important part of an Operating System. The Windows flaw would help the hackers to skip the tools that are created to protect against malicious programs; it also bypasses security sandboxes. But, Google stated that its Chrome browser can prevent such attacks by blocking specific system calls in Windows 10.

Now, Microsoft has come-up with an update on Windows flaw and said that it will issue a security patch on Nov. 8 to address the concern. Also, it stated that customers who are using Microsoft Edge with Windows 10 Anniversary Update are protected from the threat. The firm requested the customers to upgrade their OS to Windows 10, referring it is the most secure OS it built.

Post-pumpkin Patch Tuesday: What's in store for November - https://t.co/2GBtbxqfFj - @ShavlikProtect @LANDESK #Microsoft pic.twitter.com/u4k8ak52xo

— Help Net Security (@helpnetsecurity) November 3, 2016

Windows flaw is now taking a political turn in the country. Microsoft confirmed that the hacker group who exploited the Windows flaw is a Russian group with Russian government links, who was behind many political hacks before. Even U.S. government has criticized Russia for hacking campaigns and disrupting presidential election. It was previously concluded that Russia was behind hacking Democratic Party database and emails, but it is not sure whether the recent Windows flaw did affect the campaigns.

There is an alarming number of cyber-attacks in the recent past including severe DDoS attack. Tech giants should take extreme care while developing software, corresponding hardware etc., as there are specific attacks targeting businesses, organizations and government departments. Windows flaw should be a lesson for tech companies to work together to address such concerns as public brawl would just be helping the hackers ultimately.