Well, we start off 2016 talking about one of the biggest concerns in 2015: keeping your computer system secure. Microsoft pledges to help.
On December 30 (last year), Microsoft announced to Outlook email consumers they will warn users when their email is being targeted by hackers. They didn’t just mean targeted by cyber criminals. They meant targeted by government and government agencies as well. Microsoft vows to take extra steps in warning of ‘state-sponsored’ attacks because those attacks are often more sophisticated. Around two weeks ago, Microsoft was chastised for not telling hacking victims of an attack aimed at China’s Tibetan and Uighur populations. Although former Microsoft employees confirmed the Chinese government was behind the email attack, Microsoft kept it secret. They already offer security alerts, but don’t tell you suspects. Now, they’re ready to name names, and in some cases, name nations. In recent years, Hotmail attacks (now called Outlook) targeted Chinese diplomats, media, human and environmental rights activists, and others on the Chinese governments’ naught list. They will warn you when you’ve been targeted before you might get compromised. The Microsoft announcement also includes suggestions for keeping your email safe. These suggestions include changing your password, two step verification and an up-to-date anti-virus program.
The turbulent world stage has crossed into the email stage. Don’t think for a minute China is the only country wrestling with this. There’s no telling which agencies are looking at our emails here at home. Notice how the Chinese government allegedly attacks activist, minority groups, renegade politicians, and anyone else who is a threat to their power and world order. What’s new? I’m glad Microsoft is stepping up it’s security against such action. I’m glad they’re naming names and nations. Maybe they’ll think twice before hacking. My question is: What took Microsoft so long?
We here at Computer Geeks want to wish you all a Happy New Year. May 2016 be your best year yet.