Microsoft

It appears that Microsoft and its users may be experiencing a security problem potentially as dangerous and devastating as the 2010 debacle that hit Playstation owners. Back then, innocent purchasers of PlayStations were hit by one of the most ... stunning security invasions in recent memory. Millions saw their supposedly-secure account information leaked, including credit card data. The problem ran so deep that Sony felt compelled to offer substantial compensation packages. The current problem may prove just as significant, unless Microsoft changes how it stores sensitive customer information. ... (view more)

After several years of trending market share losses by Internet Explorer (IE), Microsoft's flagship browser appears to be winning back some customers. However, experts suggest the resurgence may not represent a permanent reversal of fortune. Web ... statistics firm Net Applications now reports that the proportion of web users worldwide who are running Internet Explorer has risen in each of the past three months, while Google Chrome has consistently dropped during the same period. The recent growth is a notable change in a long-term Internet Explorer trend of losing its dominance over Google's ... (view more)

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has become the victim of an online identity fraud attack. According to reports, a former United States Army soldier used a debit card linked to one of Allen's accounts to attempt several fraudulent transactions. ... Federal investigators have revealed that Brandon Lee Price, a 28-year-old U.S. Army deserter from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was able to change the address on a bank account owned by Allen and have a new debit card sent to his home. (Source: suntimes.com ) Citibank Fooled by Classic Scam In order to acquire the card, Price simply phoned Citibank ... (view more)

Microsoft has struck a blow against cybercriminals, thanks to a major takedown of servers being used to steal login information and passwords from computers around the world. Experts say the move could place a huge restraint on what is considered ... one of the world's most advanced cybercrime schemes. On Monday, Microsoft revealed that its special cybercrime investigation division had executed both legal and technical maneuvers to reduce the number of computers capable of spreading Zeus. This is important because Zeus is malicious software designed to infect innocent users' computers and steal ... (view more)

Microsoft is pursuing a new patent that could lead to television viewers paying subscription fees, based on what and how they choose to watch. Under Microsoft's new system, called "Control-Based Content Pricing", the whole TV sponsorship model could ... see a major overhaul. The technology could conceivably turn available television channel selections into an "a la carte menu". The theory behind Control-Based Content Pricing could lead to highly targeted advertising and media content (TV programs) designed specifically for the individual viewer. Watch What You Want, Pay For What You Watch To ... (view more)

Microsoft has teamed with West Coast Customs to unveil a one-of-a-kind 1967 Mustang GT, made even better with several of the software giant's most popular tech offerings, including an Xbox 360 and a pair of Kinect peripherals. West Coast Customs ... (WCC) has made a name for itself by customizing cars on the MTV show "Pimp My Ride". In most of those episodes, host Xzibit (a popular rapper) surprises a teen with an offer to repair and drastically upgrade their broken-down jalopies. West Coast Customs then takes over and does the work. Microsoft Goes "Inside West Coast Customs" Recently, ... (view more)

A new report suggests that Microsoft will send its first shipment of the retail version of its highly-anticipated Windows 8 operating system (OS) in October, 2012. This schedule would give the Redmond-based software giant a chance to market its new ... operating system during the holiday shopping season, and would allow hardware makers like Dell to package the OS with their upcoming PCs. The rumor is reported by Bloomberg News, which bases the story on up-to-the-minute reports that Microsoft will release its final version of Windows 8 to manufacturers during the summer of 2012. Historically, this ... (view more)

Microsoft suffered a significant security setback last weekend, with a guideline for fixing a major software vulnerability being leaked to a Chinese hacking website. The guideline is known as a "proof-of-concept" code, and is essentially an outline ... of how hackers might exploit a specific security flaw. In this case, the guideline was related to a recently patched Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) issue. If exploited, the flaw it covers could allow hackers to infiltrate a remote computer system. Prior to issuing the patch, Microsoft had rated the RDP flaw "critical," its highest security rating. ... (view more)

Microsoft has released additional details about its upcoming Internet Explorer 10 web browser. Once again, it appears users familiar with touchscreen devices are those most likely to enjoy the changes. Microsoft has revealed that Internet Explorer ... 10 is designed for the new Metro interface. Of the two different ways to use Windows 8, Metro is the one involving larger "tile" icons and a cleaner screen with less clutter, both of which are most helpful with touchscreens. Metro also lets users install or remove new software approved by Microsoft in a simple manner, much the same as today's ... (view more)

Microsoft says it has fixed only one 'critical' security flaw this Patch Tuesday. However, it appears to be a highly significant vulnerability. For those not familiar with the terminology, 'critical' vulnerabilities are those rated to be most in ... need of addressing. Flaw Could Allow Remote Code Execution The 'critical' security flaw is a remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Every version of Windows is reportedly left vulnerable by the problem. So long as the vulnerability remains unpatched, Microsoft says, a hacker who is able to convince a computer ... (view more)