Windows flaw allows hard drive re-format

vnunet ^

[chance33_98]

Windows flaw allows hard drive re-format

By Nick Farrell [21-11-2002]

That's security alert number 65 since the start of the year

Microsoft has found a flaw in some versions of Windows that could allow attackers to reformat a machine's hard disk. In its 65th security bulletin issued this year, the company warned that two types of computers are at particular risk: those used for browsing the web or reading email, and those hosting websites using Microsoft Internet Information Services.

Windows XP is not affected by this issue, but anyone using Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows 98 SE, Windows 98 or Windows NT 4.0 needs to download a security patch, available here.

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to target Windows-based systems and take action such as changing web pages or reformatting your hard disk.

The security alert is the first to be issued in a simpler format, which Microsoft adopted due to complaints that its bulletins were overly detailed and confusing.

-------- MORE INFO

Why is this update needed?

An identified security vulnerability could allow an attacker to compromise Microsoft® Windows®-based systems and then take any of a variety of actions, such as changing Web pages or reformatting your hard disk. You can help eliminate this issue by installing this update from Microsoft.

Who needs to apply this update?

Anyone using Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows 98 SE, Windows 98, or Windows NT® 4.0 needs the update. Windows XP is not affected by this issue. At greatest risk are systems that operate Web sites using Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) and anyone who browses the Web using Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Two types of computers are at particular risk. If either of the following describes your computer, you should install the patch immediately:

Computers that are used to browse the Web or read e-mail. Most workstations and laptop computers fall into this category.

Computers that host Web sites using IIS.

[chance33_98]

Ping!

[Clive]

[GRRRRR]

Oh, Man...Not another update??/ Hang on a minute, lemme download it and I'll be right back after I

[Illbay]

Ah, poor guy. Looks like someone reformatted his hard drive.

[Clive]

Not this little guy.

He is the Linux mascot.

Use a REAL operating system.

From a security standpoint, Microsoft systems are swiss cheese with extra holes drilled into them.

[goldstategop]

Lindows is tamper proof. It comes with a command-line built in firewall but you can download and install Firestarter to give it a GUI configurable screen.

[Dan Day]

Lindows is tamper proof.

There's no such thing as a tamper-proof system.

Period.

[goldstategop]

I stand corrected. I was trying to point out not too many hackers are at work on Linux the way they are on Windows. If Linux gets to be as popular on the desktop as Windows is, that may change.

[isthisnickcool]

There's no such thing as a tamper-proof system.

Period.

Just like there is no such thing as a Tampax-proof period?

[goldstategop]

LOL!!! Not even Tampax has cured menstruation.

[2sheep]

>Windows XP is not affected by this issue, but anyone using Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows 98 SE, Windows 98 or Windows NT 4.0 needs to download a security patch, available here.

[HamiltonJay]

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[chilepepper]

While it is true that there are fewer Linux boxes around, it is also true that Linux is much more secure by design, and, as everyone knows, nearly every Linux distribution comes with a *FULL BLOWN* firewall (i.e. - one that could completely take the place of a Watchguard firewall since Watchguard is in fact Linux based).

Linux is inherently more secure by design and *INSTALLS* secure, that is to say, the default set up comes up w/ most of the firewall stuff *UP, RUNNING, and FILTERING*.

To make any Windows secure, you need to disable a whole slew of features and download special security patches. Not automatic in any sense of the word...

In addition, Linux does not support the "features" of Windows that make it so insecure, like the arbitrary execution of programs from Email...

[chance33_98]

And don't forget the pretty gnome interface :)

[chilepepper]

Be careful. My guess is that this "security patch" is designed not so much to make Windows 9X, NT or 2000 "more secure", but rather to BREAK IT so you have to upgrade to Windows XP.

Remember folks, Microsoft is a SCAM

[goldstategop]

Yup. Lindows is one of the easiest Linux distros I've ever installed. Its super stable and it installs in under 10 minutes. Since its based on Debian Linux, you can download free programs through their werehouse as well as through synaptic. The Windows style GUI makes its easy to get around and get stuff done. Sure, for power users there are more advanced distros available but this is a good way for newbies to learn enjoying Linux without having to be a computer tech.

[jazerb]

I've been to the download site, but I'm stopped at a screen that says "Administrator's Only". Any suggestions as to how to get past that screen, and continue?

[2sheep]

Apparently you aren't logged into your machine as Administrator. Do so. If someone else is the Administrator, they will have to fix it. If that isn't it, ask Microsoft.

[TheBattman]

bump to myself for later