Microsoft sticks to vow, leaves XP exposed to ongoing attacks
Refuses to patch Internet Explorer bug that hackers are already exploiting
Hackers are exploiting an Internet Explorer (IE) vulnerability that was left unpatched in Windows XP on Tuesday, Microsoft and outside security experts said.
The bug, identified as CVE-2014-1815, was one of two Microsoft patched with a critical update issued Tuesday for IE6, IE7, IE8, IE9, IE10 and IE11. In the accompanying security bulletin, Microsoft noted that the vulnerability had been both known to hackers and used by them prior to yesterday’s update.
“Microsoft is aware of limited attacks that attempt to exploit this vulnerability in Internet Explorer,” the bulletin stated.
But because Windows XP exhausted its support privileges last month, users running the aged operating system did not receive the IE security update, as did owners of Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 PCs.
Also on Tuesday, Microsoft reasserted that it has patched its last Windows XP bug. In the strongest signal yet that it will stick with its plan — and that a May 1 emergency patch for IE on XP had been a one-time deal — a company spokesman said, “The Windows XP end of support policy still remains in place moving forward.”
I can see a cloud OS coming soon to a neighborhood near you a monthly cost yes and that way there would be no need for all the hoopla when changing OS to an advance version as the provider will up date it as needed . and it could be included in your internet billing so it would also be sort of hid from view . this marketing they have now leaves much to be desired you spend any where from $300 to $2,000 bucks for a computer which has a life long cost with it in paying the providers . The computers will not last forever so that cost is coming sometime again . but leaving people out to dry is not a good PR stunt. Yes we all want something for nothing but any thing you get past what you have on hand is going to cost you something. The computer makers would also have to provide the basic needs to access the internet so you could hook up with an OS provider of your choice . Once that is done you would receive or make your own pass word to gain access to your files . Thiis every three to five years and everyone with this OS or that OS is subject to have to change, which usually includes a new computer . Enjoy it while you can.