Previous message: "Microsoft fesses up to huge security breach in Windows XP" http://www.politechbot.com/p-02959.html --- From: "Xeni Jardin" <xeniat_private> To: "Declan McCullagh" <declanat_private> Subject: FBI, DOD quiz Microsoft on XP's gaping security holes Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001 16:55:05 -0800 Apparently, DOD-ers fear XP-enabled Xmas DDOS-es. --XJ <<Several experts said they had already managed to duplicate within their research labs so-called ``denial of service'' attacks made possible by the Windows XP flaws. Such attacks can overwhelm Web sites and prevent their use by legitimate visitors. ``That was the one you'll more likely see over Christmas break,'' one participant said. Another risk, that hackers can implant rogue software on vulnerable computers, was considered more remote because of the technical sophistication needed. The FBI's cyber-security unit has been particularly worried lately about the threats from denial of service attacks. It warned again Thursday that it ``has reason to believe that the potential for (denial of service) attacks is high.'' The FBI said people have indicated they plan to target the Defense Department's Web sites, as well as other organizations that support the nation's most important networks. >> ------------- <http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20011221/ts/microsoft_hackers_10.html> Friday December 21 5:50 PM ET FBI, Pentagon Quiz Microsoft on XP By TED BRIDIS, Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - FBI and Defense Department officials and some top industry experts sought reassurance Friday from Microsoft Corp. that a free software fix it offered effectively stops hackers from attacking major flaws discovered in the latest version of Windows. [...] ------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITECH -- Declan McCullagh's politics and technology mailing list You may redistribute this message freely if you include this notice. Declan McCullagh's photographs are at http://www.mccullagh.org/ To subscribe to Politech: http://www.politechbot.com/info/subscribe.html This message is archived at http://www.politechbot.com/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------
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