+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: UK Government Could Fine Companies Still Running Windows XP

  1. #1
    Advanced User ParamouR's Avatar
    Join Date
    01.09.10
    Location
    Third Rome
    P2P Client
    µ
    Posts
    773
    Activity Longevity
    0/20 16/20
    Today Posts
    0/5 ssssss773

    Arrow UK Government Could Fine Companies Still Running Windows XP



    Approximately 26 percent of the desktop computers worldwide are still running Windows XP right now, but the United Kingdom is really keen on cutting down its market share by forcing companies in the country to upgrade as soon as possible.

    In a notification posted on its website, the UK's privacy watchdog warned that out-of-date software is currently one of the eight most common security vulnerabilities leading to data leaks, so companies that are failing to secure their PCs due to this reason could get fines of up to 500,000 pounds ($844,000 / 613,000 euros).

    “In just the past couple of months we have already seen widespread concern over the expiry of support for Microsoft XP and the uncovering of the security flaw known as Heartbleed. While these security issues may seem complex, it is important that organisations of all sizes have a basic understanding of these types of threats and know what action they need to take to make sure their computer systems are keeping customers’ information secure,” ICO’s Group Manager for Technology, Simon Rice,said

    Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and British Pregnancy Advice Service have already received hefty fines for failing to keep user data secure, so the Information Commissioner's Office warns that all companies that are aren't upgrading their computers to run newer software and protect consumer details could get financial penalties as well.
    ~~ Lots of money coming your way thanks to the UK!
    Show respect to all people, but grovel to none​


    Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
    Thanks

  2. Who Said Thanks:

    slikrapid (14.05.14)

  3. #2


    Join Date
    22.06.08
    Location
    astral planes
    P2P Client
    sbi finest
    Posts
    3,125
    Activity Longevity
    0/20 19/20
    Today Posts
    0/5 sssss3125
    Quote Originally Posted by article
    Approximately 26 percent of the desktop computers worldwide are still running Windows XP right now, but the United Kingdom is really keen on cutting down its market share by forcing companies in the country to upgrade as soon as possible.
    which means UK should be keen on demanding continuous support from M$, which due to its monopoly/market share/size should have an obligation to keep the support active and find another way to draw companies to upgrade their software or at least have them pay a little extra for extended support - they could even do a compromise by demanding upgrade for larger companies only (which can easily afford it)

    Quote Originally Posted by article
    out-of-date software is currently one of the eight most common security vulnerabilities leading to data leaks, so companies that are failing to secure their PCs due to this reason could get fines of up to 500,000 pounds
    they mean primarily popular software & OS's, 0day vulnerabilities, after these the question of version upgrade may play a role, after this comes the out-of-date scenario
    also, the most problematic data leaks are done legally? by data mining (many companies), data exchange/selling among big companies and also between them and government intelligence agencies, after that comes organized crime
    so governments aren't really concerned about the leaks, they smell a continuous problem, a source of profit via fines/inspections, plus it becomes harder to start or maintain a software company with such increasing demands (helps the big players to keep their market share intact)

    Quote Originally Posted by OP
    Lots of money coming your way thanks to the UK!
    not only towards M$, but towards government budget (taxes, fines) and insurance companies as well (to name only the more visible direct beneficiaries higher up the chain)
    Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
    Thanks

  4. Who Said Thanks:

    tr-cht-fx-242p (23.05.14)

  5. #3
    Coder tr-cht-fx-242p's Avatar
    Join Date
    08.03.14
    Location
    usa
    P2P Client
    transmission
    Posts
    125
    Activity Longevity
    0/20 12/20
    Today Posts
    0/5 ssssss125
    In just the past couple of months we have already seen widespread concern over the expiry of support for Microsoft XP and the uncovering of the security flaw known as Heartbleed
    I don't see any direct relationship connection with specifically Heartbleed and expiry of support for Microsoft XP. The missing bounds check in openssl has nothing to do with XP. openssl can be for almost any variation of platform Mac, Linux or Windows so I find the entire UK report just crap.

    For those interested here is the patch for Heartbleed:
    https://github.com/openssl/openssl/c...0187b11c44aead

    And the general public is further misinformed by corporations like CBS calling Heartbleed a virus. Shit like this:
    Heartbleed virus: Changing your password may not eliminate risk - Videos - CBS News
    Application error: warning -> battery failure imminent ~ shutting down NOW permanent == message to Earth -- finalized shudown code ... 6ikf9849l+!~:'?.|\
    Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
    Thanks

  6. Who Said Thanks:

    anon (24.05.14) , slikrapid (23.05.14)

+ Reply to Thread

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may post new threads
  • You may post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •