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peristaltorBy now I hope everyone out there has seen this story about computer viruses that store kiddie porn on computers. From the article:
Let me briefly emphasize one salient element of that story, one probably glossed over by most, but which I feel cannot and should not be emphasized enough: the virus exploits PCs -- shorthand, as most know, for "personal computers," but almost universally acknowledged as "personal computers running a Microsoft operating system."
Don't get me wrong: I don't harbor a conspiracy-theory twitchy loathing for All Things Bill. I do, however, recognize that Microsoft's historical disregard for the security and integrity of its operating systems has finally produced consequences far too devastating to be ignored. For decades, it has built back-door access into all of its products, including the operating systems, specifically to enable features in its software that gave a Redmond a competitive edge. Of course, these back doors did not remain a secret. Once revealed, they became the means that enabled just about every virus writer to become a star in Black Hat shenanigans.
When the viruses were disseminating up to a third of all spam mailings, it was a problem. When the viruses made Command and Control slaves of PCs by the tens or hundreds of thousands, enabling one person to engage in Denial of Service attacks on anyone they felt deserved an attack -- including Live Journal -- it was a serious problem. But now that these back doors can ruin lives it is an unforgivable problem. We must all realize that Microsoft is culpable for enabling these malicious acts and should be held legally accountable.
This should be as much a turning point, as much a wake-up call, as much a call to legal action as Preston Tucker's indictment of the major automakers was when he installed seat belts and safety glass into his 1948 Tucker . . . "accessories" not found universally in other cars at the time.
If they have any energy to fight left in them, the Fiolas and others ruined by the legal entanglements they have faced should file suits against Microsoft until their settlement allows them to enjoy certain waterfront properties in Medina, Washington.
Pedophiles can exploit virus-infected PCs to remotely store and view their stash without fear they'll get caught. Pranksters or someone trying to frame you can tap viruses to make it appear that you surf illegal websites.
Whatever the motivation, you get child porn on your computer — and might not realize it until police knock at your door.
Let me briefly emphasize one salient element of that story, one probably glossed over by most, but which I feel cannot and should not be emphasized enough: the virus exploits PCs -- shorthand, as most know, for "personal computers," but almost universally acknowledged as "personal computers running a Microsoft operating system."
Don't get me wrong: I don't harbor a conspiracy-theory twitchy loathing for All Things Bill. I do, however, recognize that Microsoft's historical disregard for the security and integrity of its operating systems has finally produced consequences far too devastating to be ignored. For decades, it has built back-door access into all of its products, including the operating systems, specifically to enable features in its software that gave a Redmond a competitive edge. Of course, these back doors did not remain a secret. Once revealed, they became the means that enabled just about every virus writer to become a star in Black Hat shenanigans.
When the viruses were disseminating up to a third of all spam mailings, it was a problem. When the viruses made Command and Control slaves of PCs by the tens or hundreds of thousands, enabling one person to engage in Denial of Service attacks on anyone they felt deserved an attack -- including Live Journal -- it was a serious problem. But now that these back doors can ruin lives it is an unforgivable problem. We must all realize that Microsoft is culpable for enabling these malicious acts and should be held legally accountable.
This should be as much a turning point, as much a wake-up call, as much a call to legal action as Preston Tucker's indictment of the major automakers was when he installed seat belts and safety glass into his 1948 Tucker . . . "accessories" not found universally in other cars at the time.
If they have any energy to fight left in them, the Fiolas and others ruined by the legal entanglements they have faced should file suits against Microsoft until their settlement allows them to enjoy certain waterfront properties in Medina, Washington.