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Hacking tools were stolen from NSA - Almost all Windows affected
Hackers group have posted online a set of tools for hacking Windows operating systems. Most of them was designed for older Windows up to 8.1, but some of them can be also used for gaining access to Windows 10.
Tools were stolen from NSA last summer, but now they were posted online and available to almost anybody.
No way to remain protected
Security experts warn that with the hacking tools now available online, the number of attacks aimed at Windows systems is very likely to skyrocket during the weekend, especially because newbie hackers have more time to launch their attacks, while at the same time being able to find victims easily because users spend more time online on their days off.
Edward Snowden has also confirmed the leak, explaining that “this is not a drill, NSA exploits affecting many fully-patched Windows systems have been released to the wild. NSA did not warn Microsoft.”
As for ways to remain protected until Microsoft delivers patches, there’s really no hackerproof solution right now, other than running Windows 10, though there’s evidence that this operating system version can be hijacked as well. Security experts recommend to keep critical systems offline for a few days, at least until after the weekend, but it’s very clear this isn’t the most convenient solution right now.
We’ve contacted Microsoft to ask for more information on this leak and we’ll update the article when an answer is offered.
UPDATE: Microsoft has provided us with the following statement: "We are reviewing the report and will take the necessary actions to protect our customers."
Read more on Softpedia: nsa-s-windows-hacking-tools-leaked-millions-of-users-exposed
Update: WinBeta (onMSFT) reports that some vulnerabilities are fixed and provides links to security fixes on MS site..
Update 2: Here is link to MS Blog article with security fixes
Last edited by AndreTen; 15 Apr 2017 at 06:07.