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| Vista has speech recognition hole Microsoft has admitted that speech recognition features in Vista could be hijacked so that a PC tells itself to delete files or folders. Vista can respond to vocal commands and concern has been raised about malicious audio on websites or sent via e-mail. In one scenario outlined by users an MP3 file of voice instructions was used to tell the PC to delete documents. Microsoft said the exploit was "technically possible" but there was no need to worry. The firm has pointed out that in order for the flaw to be exploited the speech recognition feature would need to be activated and configured and both microphone and speakers would have to be switched on. There are also additional barriers that would make an attack difficult Microsoft security researcher "The exploit scenario would involve the speech recognition feature picking up commands through the microphone such as 'copy', 'delete', 'shutdown', etc. and acting on them," a Microsoft security researcher wrote on the team's official blog. Some Vista users have already tested the exploit and were able to delete files and empty the trash can so that the documents were not retrievable. Microsoft has said that even if the machine was primed to accept voice commands it would be unlikely the user would not be in the room to hear the file with malicious instructions being played. The firm also said that voice commands could not be used for privileged functions such as creating a new user or formatting a drive. "There are also additional barriers that would make an attack difficult including speaker and microphone placement, microphone feedback, and the clarity of the dictation," wrote the Microsoft researcher. While speech recognition was a feature of Windows XP, in Vista the use has been widened. "While we are taking the reports seriously and investigating them accordingly I am confident in saying that there is little if any need to worry about the effects of this issue on your new Windows Vista installation," said the researcher. Story from BBC NEWS: |
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| You may be aware Microsoft has just launched their new operating system, Windows Vista. If you are buying a new PC or planning to upgrade your current operating system to Windows Vista, you will need to upgrade your AOL software beforehand, as the existing AOL software will not run Windows Vista, and your internet connection may not work. AOL 9.0 VR (Vista Ready) has been specifically developed for AOL members who will be moving to Windows Vista. Apart from Vista compatibility, there will be no new features added to AOL 9.0 VR. Therefore, unless you are moving to Microsoft Vista there is no need to download AOL 9.0 VR. If you are planning to download AOL 9.0 VR, there are two important things that you will need to check first. 1. System Requirements You will need to ensure that your PC has the necessary system requirements to run AOL 9.0 VR. If your PC meets the necessary requirements to run Microsoft Vista then you will be able to download and run AOL 9.0 VR. To find out more information on system requirements click here 2. Modem/router compatibility If you have a modem that plugs into a USB port, you should be aware that Windows Vista will not work with USB modems. If you install Windows Vista you will need to purchase an Ethernet modem or router to connect to the internet. For information on compatible modems and routers, click here Connecting Wirelessly If you are planning to connect to AOL Broadband wirelessly, we also advise you to check with the manufacturer of your wireless adapter (WiFi) that it is Vista compatible. If you connect wirelessly using a laptop, you should check with your laptop manufacturer. |
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| Microsoft warns on Vista update Microsoft is warning Windows Vista users that a forthcoming service pack for the operating system may stop some third-party programs working. The software giant has released a list of programs that may be broken by the SP1 update for Vista. Most of the software hit by the upgrade are security programs that prevent Windows users falling prey to viruses, trojans and booby-trapped webpages. The Windows Vista update will be released to the public in mid-March. Update loop Service Packs are among the biggest updates Microsoft issues for its various operating systems. The software firm said SP1 makes Vista more secure and reliable and introduces some new features. The list of programs affected by SP1 is divided into three. Some will be blocked by the update, some will not run and others will lose some of their functions. PROGRAMS HIT BY SP1 BitDefender AV Fujitsu Shock Sensor Jiangmin KV Antivirus 10 Jiangmin KV Antivirus 2008 Trend Micro Internet Security Zone Alarm Security Suite Iron Speed Designer Xheo Licensing Free Allegiance NYT Reader Rising Personal Firewall Novell ZCM Agent Of the 12 programs mentioned, six block viruses or keep an eye on the places someone visits online. Microsoft warned that its list was not "comprehensive" and asked people to get in touch with the maker of any affected software to fix problems. Although the update will become widely available in March, Microsoft is releasing it to business customers in February. Microsoft has also been forced to withdraw an update to Vista that was required before Service Pack 1 could be applied. Writing on the Windows Vista blog, Nick White, Microsoft product manager, said the company had withdrawn the preparatory update while it investigated. Isolated reports suggest that some machines on which the preliminary update has been applied go into an update loop. He wrote: "We are working to identify possible solutions and will make the update available again shortly after we address the issue." Story from BBC NEWS: |
| QUOTE (prophecy girl @ Feb 22 2008, 10:06 AM) | ||
frenchfan (aka claire) "the world is definitely doomed" |
| QUOTE (TV Yank @ Feb 22 2008, 08:33 PM) | ||||
That says it all. :rolleyes: |