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WikiLeaks just dropped the CIA’s secret how-to for infecting Windows (link only due to copyright)
ArsTechnica (linked Only) | April 7, 2017 | By Dan Goodin -

Posted on 04/08/2017 5:55:15 PM PDT by Swordmaker

Latest batch Wikileaks documents details how CIA infects targets’ Windows-based computers.

Link only due to copyright concerns:

WikiLeaks just dropped the CIA’s secret how-to for infecting Windows


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: cia; surveillance; wikileaks; windows
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To: Swordmaker; Abby4116; afraidfortherepublic; aft_lizard; AF_Blue; amigatec; AppyPappy; arnoldc1; ...
"Thanks a pantload" ... PING!

You can find all the Windows Ping list threads with FR search: just search on keyword "windowspinglist".

Thanks to Swordmaker for the ping!!

21 posted on 04/08/2017 9:52:52 PM PDT by dayglored ("Listen. Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government.")
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To: for-q-clinton
Why no excuses like you do for apple?

Why should I? I spent almost half my life supporting Windows crappy bug ridden systems and have made a lot of money doing it. It has no excuse for being crappy.

22 posted on 04/08/2017 9:54:32 PM PDT by Swordmaker (This tag line is a Microsoft insult free zone... but if the insults to Mac users continue...)
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To: Swordmaker; for-q-clinton
> Windows crappy bug ridden systems [have] no excuse for being crappy.

Well, Windows -used- to be crappy and bug ridden. It got a heck of a lot better after Vista. But then it all went to hell, and there was no need for it to do so.

One of the great disappointments of my professional life has been that, just when Windows had become reasonably secure (e.g. Win7 properly configured), Microsoft b!tched up the user interface with Metro in 8.x, and then destroyed data privacy with Win10, and turned the operating system into an advertising vehicle.

I had been looking forward to Windows becoming a system I could use confidently and comfortably for most of my work and play. But no-o-o-o... *sigh*

It appears that Windows will remain a system designed for gaming and data mining, and incidentally capable of running the Windows programs of the past 10 years. The very disappointing, slow uptake of Windows 10 (now that it's not free anymore) indicates that the opportunity for Windows to become truly great has passed. People are tired of waiting for Microsoft to wise up.

I still hold out a hope that before Windows 7 runs out of extended support in Jan 2020, Microsoft will get their act together with Windows 10 and make it at least as usable as Win7 has been all along. I'm not holding my breath, but hope springs eternal nonetheless.

23 posted on 04/08/2017 10:30:09 PM PDT by dayglored ("Listen. Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government.")
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To: Swordmaker

Well darn it. They better quit leaking this stuff. With this latest disclosure the NSA is now down to only 6136 undisclosed system hacks. If this crap doesn’t end soon their toolbox is going to run dry in like NEVER.


24 posted on 04/09/2017 12:53:23 AM PDT by Garth Tater (What's mine is mine.)
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To: bigbob

#5 My Windows 7 desktop pc did an update yesterday when I restarted the pc. I have updates TURNED OFF!


25 posted on 04/09/2017 1:12:44 AM PDT by minnesota_bound
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To: Spktyr
Hate to tell you, but I’ve been working in IT for 30 years. It is absolutely astounding how fast a Windows machine can get infected

Yeah, yeah, yeah, the old 'I've been doing this for 30 years so you should bow down before me. Big deal, a lot of people have one years experience thirty times. Been to Hamburg yet? That is code for a cred check, smile off.

I don't want to belittle you, only ask you to recognize that your experience does not necessarily square with the experience of many other people around the world. The mime that a bare Windows machine will be infected with viruses when connected to the internet is the mime of those who sell anti-virus programs. More people have had computer problems caused by anti-virus programs than ever had viruses. I know that statement is an anathema to big iron folks but it is non-the-less true. I don't know why people think that a hugely profitable company produces crap, or that a multi-Billionaire can't run a ten man cabinet, but there it is. Imagine my amazement.

26 posted on 04/09/2017 2:42:49 AM PDT by SandwicheGuy (*The butter acts as a lubricant and speeds up the CPU)
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To: minnesota_bound

Kabylake processor sniffer. MS will no longer support Win 7 on NEWER processors. I have both KBs declined on WSUS for approx 1000 endpoints


27 posted on 04/09/2017 2:55:19 AM PDT by AbolishCSEU (Amount of CS paid is inversely proportionate to Mother's actual parenting of children she probably w)
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To: SandwicheGuy; Spktyr
As the leaks show, the AV programs are being bypassed and if malware gets a foothold, AV is often worse than nothing. But the idea that Windows is easily remotely hacked is dated. There are still listen ports by default but those are better protected than they used to be. There are some simple steps that can enhance security: remove all crapware, install a more secure browser, remove Flash and all other Adobe products. Also turn off or remove all of the MS networked crapware: news, weather, stock ticker, etc. Those are all completely worthless, just another attack surface, and a waste of bandwidth.

I have not experimented with firewalls for at least 10 years, but I suspect it might help to stop the MS crapware and spyware. The problem however is the arms race between the firewall and other OS components and apps to get low in the network stack. I would recommend turning off networking but that defeats the purpose of having a computer. But NAT routing should provide most people protection from incoming connection attacks and safe browsing will protect them on their outgoing connections provided they can turn off auto-update.

28 posted on 04/09/2017 3:21:43 AM PDT by palmer (turn into nonpaper w no identifying heading and send nonsecure)
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To: FreedomOfExpression
I surf the Internet with Windows based computers every day. My computers at home or at work haven't been infected in many years.

Don't bother wasting you time. The windows haters tend to be childish in their animosity towards Windows users. It doesn't matter to them how well a Windows machine runs for someone.

29 posted on 04/09/2017 4:47:23 AM PDT by raybbr (That progressive bumper sticker on your car might just as well say, "Yes, I'm THAT stupid!")
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To: SandwicheGuy

The only changes to the security of Microsoft Operating Systems in the last thirty years have been dramatic improvements in obfuscation and non-attribution for those who hack them.

The reason Diogenes is still out there with his lamp looking for an honest man, is that his probability of success in that quest is much greater than the probability of him finding an uninfected Windows machine on a network.

There are two kinds of Windows users:

The first are individuals who use Windows and KNOW their devices and networks are thoroughly compromised and infected.

The second are individuals who use Windows and haven’t got a clue.

If you are faced with a non-negotiable operational requirement to use Windows, ensure you obtain your hardware from one of the very few approved product list sources, pop the hood and harden the BIOS, run Windows in a Virtual Environment hosted in Linux or Unix, and invest in a comprehensive set of security tools that let you see what is going on in the entire device, especially those areas that are not mapped by the Windows Operating System.

If you want to use encryption, know what you are doing, and have the ability to discern which products really work, encrypt the entire Virtual Environment. Encryption within Windows, like passwords, is a speed bump at best to any mildly competent hacker.


30 posted on 04/09/2017 4:53:02 AM PDT by Natty Bumppo@frontier.net (We are the dangerous ones, who stand between all we love and a more dangerous world.)
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To: Swordmaker

Windows 10 is a key logger from the moment after the 1st boot based on what I’ve read. I have it on my Mac Pro via bootcamp for gaming & preparing for the future when Apple obsoletes my machine.

I’m not throwing away a perfectly good, powerful computer just because Tim Cook says its no good anymore. Linux isn’t an option because there is no Logic, Cubase, Pro Tools or Studio One version for it so I am not ditching the software I know & paid a small fortune for over the years.

Interestingly, Windows 10 screams on this Mac Pro. Even on a HDD programs load really fast.


31 posted on 04/09/2017 5:08:32 AM PDT by TheStickman (And their fear tastes like sunshine puked up by unicorns.)
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To: bicyclerepair

“LINUX ROCKS! Been using it for years. No worries.”

Linux has come a long way over the years. Can’t do pro audio with it, sadly. The few DAWs for Linux are still lacking in too many ways to use daily. I like Mint & Ubuntu a lot.

If Sling TV ever comes out with a Linux app for their service I do have a 2010 Mac Book I would run it on after Apple obsoletes it in the next few months or next year.


32 posted on 04/09/2017 5:12:24 AM PDT by TheStickman (And their fear tastes like sunshine puked up by unicorns.)
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To: dayglored

Thanks for the ping.


33 posted on 04/09/2017 8:52:53 AM PDT by GOPJ (Unmasked reports transferred face-to-face at obscure airport: Obama to Lynch to Bill Clinton?)
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To: Natty Bumppo@frontier.net
There are two kinds of Windows users:
The first are individuals who use Windows and KNOW their devices and networks are thoroughly compromised and infected.
The second are individuals who use Windows and haven’t got a clue.

Your post is accurate and well stated. However, it is only understandable by a very few people among the general populace. An analogy would be a race car mechanic obsessed with getting the absolute most out of his engine without it blowing up, with special fuels, turbochargers, valve timing, ad infinitum. The rest of the people, 99.99 percent, are quite happy their car starts and gets them to their job.

34 posted on 04/09/2017 3:50:36 PM PDT by SandwicheGuy (*The butter acts as a lubricant and speeds up the CPU)
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To: palmer

Absolutely agree with you. Have someone competent set up your new computer as you described, use a router, and enjoy years of trouble-free driving.


35 posted on 04/09/2017 3:53:35 PM PDT by SandwicheGuy (*The butter acts as a lubricant and speeds up the CPU)
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To: bigbob

Haven’t they been using that for at least a decade? Always shut off the automatic updates.


36 posted on 04/10/2017 10:49:40 AM PDT by mountainlion (Live well for those that did not make it back.)
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