FC: FBI and Pentagon quiz Microsoft on Windows XP security flaw

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

Previous message:

"Microsoft fesses up to huge security breach in Windows 
XP"
http://www.politechbot.com/p-02959.html

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From: "Xeni Jardin" <xeni () xeni net>
To: "Declan McCullagh" <declan () well com>
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. >>


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<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.

[...]




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