Microsoft slams spy agencies for ‘stockpiling’ vulnerabilities
Screenshot of the WannaCry ransom note left on an infected system
Microsoft took aim at government agencies exploiting vulnerabilities in its software–like the one that resulted in the massive WannaCry cyber attack:
Microsoft slams spy agencies for ‘stockpiling’ vulnerabilities
May 15, 2017
Microsoft is criticizing government agencies for hoarding software flaws and keeping them secret, calling a massive, new ransomware attack a “wake-up call” to this problem.
Brad Smith, Microsoft’s chief counsel, said Sunday in a company blog post that by keeping software vulnerabilities secret from vendors, governments open up users to attacks like Friday’s WannaCry — or WannaCrypt/WanaCrypt — hack in which malware locked down computers worldwide while demanding hefty sums for freedom.
He also compared both WikiLeaks’ release of CIA hacking tools in March and the stealing of a Microsoft Windows vulnerability from the National Security Agency last month to the theft of weapons from the US military. The Windows vulnerability theft from the NSA is directly tied to WannaCry.
“An equivalent scenario with conventional weapons would be the US military having some of its Tomahawk missiles stolen. And this most recent attack represents a completely unintended but disconcerting link between the two most serious forms of cybersecurity threats in the world today — nation-state action and organized criminal action,” Smith said. https://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-slams-spy-agencies-for-stockpiling-vulnerabilities/
May 15, 2017
When the National Security Agency lost control of the software behind the WannaCry cyberattack, it was like “the U.S. military having some of its Tomahawk missiles stolen,” Microsoft President Brad Smith says, in a message about the malicious software that has created havoc on computer networks in more than 150 countries since Friday. http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/05/15/528439968/wannacry-ransomware-microsoft-calls-out-nsa-for-stockpiling-vulnerabilities
Notice also the following:
May 15, 2017
A massive attack Friday from the “WannaCry” malware crippled more than 20% of hospitals in the United Kingdom and affected more than 200,000 victims in 150 countries, said Rob Wainwright, the head of the European Union’s “Europol” law enforcement agency. The software, which spreads among Windows computers, infects and then locks up individual machines, demanding a ransom to be paid in the electronic currency Bitcoin. The attack mostly impacted computers in Europe and Asia and spared North America.
In some cases, hospital staff in England were forced to take notes with pens and paper and had to cancel or reschedule procedures because their computers weren’t working. Computers are often needed to control diagnostic or surgical equipment. Wainwright said banks have been unaffected because they invested heavily in computer security following previous attacks.
Fort Mill’s FedEx was one of the 200,000 victims affected worldwide by the cyber attack. However, as of Monday morning, FedEx officials say their problems have been resolved.
“FedEx has resumed normal operations and systems are performing as designed,” the shipping company said as well as referring customers to their website to check shipment statuses. Last week, FedEx officials said in a comment to NBC Charlotte that workers were unable to scan anything and some deliveries could not be made in time for Mother’s Day due to the attack.
A computer security expert on Friday afternoon managed to blunt the attack, but Wainwright said the virus was changed over the weekend and could be poised to expand what he called an already “unprecedented” attack.
‘Now is the time for all sectors to take note of cyber security as a huge strategic concern’ @pestononsunday @europol https://t.co/CvQhG3kqmP
— Rob Wainwright (@rwainwright67) May 14, 2017
“I think the hospital sector and others should follow the example (of the banking industry) to make sure that now they sit up and take notices of what is absolutely a huge security concern,” Wainwright told a British television station Sunday. “It sends a very clear message, I think, that all sectors are vulnerable and all sectors should take seriously the need to run updated systems and patch when they can do that.” http://www.wcnc.com/tech/cyberattack-monday-brings-new-threat-as-workweek-begins/439696540
So, those involved in spreading this malware have attempted to make it worse. Apparently, at least 300,000 computers have been affected:
May 15, 2017
A ransomware attack that began in Europe on Friday is lingering — and hitting new targets in Japan and China. The WannaCry software has locked thousands of computers in more than 150 countries. Users are confronted with a screen demanding a $300 payment to restore their files.
The cyberattack has hit more than 300,000 computers, White House homeland security adviser Tom Bossert said at Monday’s midday White House briefing. …
Europe
Malware-tracking maps show WannaCry has remained active in Europe over the past 24 hours. In the U.K., where the initial attack threw parts of the health care system into chaos Friday, the government scheduled an emergency meeting Monday afternoon to discuss the attack.
French automaker Renault and its partner, Nissan, say their plants were hit by the attack, NBC reports.
“The recent attack is at an unprecedented level and will require a complex international investigation to identify the culprits,” Europol’s European Cybercrime Center says. http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/05/15/528451534/wannacry-ransomware-what-we-know-monday
As I wrote last week about this, bad things that people do not think can happen on a massive scale, can happen. And they can get worse. Notice the following prophecy:
13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13)
There are many deceivers and evil people trying to harm others on the internet. Some, through software. Others through false and persecuting statements.
Notice also the following:
Is the attack over?
No.
WannaCry was first discovered on Friday, May 12th, and it had spread to an estimated 57,000 computers in more than 150 different countries around the world by the end of the day. European countries were hit the hardest, and business ground to a halt at several large companies and organizations, including banks, hospitals, and government agencies.
On Saturday, a 22-year-old security researcher named Marcus Hutchins inadvertently slowed the spread of the WannaCry virus when he registered a domain name hidden within the virus’ code in an attempt to track the spread of WannaCry, unintentionally stopping its progress in the process. You can read Hutchins’ story in his blog post titled “How to Accidentally Stop a Global Cyber Attacks.”
Unfortunately, the spread of WannaCry wasn’t actually stopped, but instead slowed.
How can I protect myself from WannaCry?
Regardless of which operating system you run, you should install any and all available security updates immediately. Specifically, Windows users with machines that run Windows XP, Windows 8, or Windows Server 2003 should immediately install this security update released on Friday by Microsoft.
What can I do if my computer is infected with WannaCry?
Sadly, there is no fix for WannaCry available at this time. Antivirus companies and cybersecurity experts are hard at work looking for ways to decrypt files on infected computers, but no means of third-party decryption are available right now. Hopefully affected users have backups of their data available, because the only other option right now is to follow the instructions offered in the software to pay the ransom. http://bgr.com/2017/05/15/wanna-cry-ransomware-virus-windows-wannacry-explainer/
Not only is Microsoft upset that the government of the USA seems to have initially developed this malware, the Europeans must realize this as well.
That, on top of the Snowden leaks (The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA), the Brexit vote by the UK to depart from the European Union (Forbes’ Brexit Monster is the Beast of Revelation), trade matters, climate matters, and the election of Donald Trump, may increase the gulf between Europe and the USA.
The Bible shows that the end-time European power will take advantage of circumstances, trust, and timing (cf. Daniel 8:23-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:3). While WannaCry will not be the trigger, its tie to the US government does not make the USA look good.
When Europe finally does rise up and attack, this will not end well for the USA (Daniel 11:39; see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses) nor its Anglo-Saxon descended allies (cf. Daniel 8:23-25; Jeremiah 30:7).
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA Can what happened with the leaks of what the NSA has done help the USA to be taken over? What does the Bible teach that seems to be related to this? Here is a related YouTube video titled Are the Snowden NSA leaks leading to the destruction of the USA?.
Brexit and the fate of Northern Ireland, Gibraltar, the UK, and the USA On April 29, 2017, 27 of the nations of the European Union agreed to certain guidelines for the negotiations with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland which gave its notice to leave on March 29, 2017. These guidelines are contrary to what the UK wants. Does the EU intend the UK to pay a price for leaving the EU? What does Spain want? What does the Republic of Ireland want? Will Northern Ireland and Gibraltar eventually fall under European control? Will the UK and USA be conquered? What does the Bible teach? Dr. Thiel answer these questions and more in this video.
Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? Spain wants Gibraltar and Argentina wants the Falklands (also known as the Malvinas). Does the Bible give clues as to what will happen with these ‘sea gates’? A related video would be Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? A version in Spanish ¿Perderá el Reino Unido a Gibraltar y las Islas Falkland (Malvinas)? Here is a version in Mandarin Chinese ‚ñVý\Y1S»vô^W–@TŒyQKQp¤\›.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast Will international trade agreements like WTO/TTIP/CETA lead to the fulfillment of end time prophecies concerning the Babylonian Beast power that the Book of Revelation warns against? What does the Bible teach? A related video would be WTO Trade Deal and the Rise of the European Beast Power.
Donald Trump in Prophecy Prophecy, Donald Trump? Are there prophecies that Donald Trump may fulfill? Are there any prophecies that he has already helped fulfill? Could a Donald Trump presidency be apocalyptic? A related video is titled: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or Apocalyptic?
Trump Presidency Magic 8 Ball or Bible Prophecy? BBC reported that one might as well use a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’ to try to predict what will happen in the remaining time of Donald Trump’s presidency. What is a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’? Dr. Thiel not only explains that, but also briefly goes over 10 biblically-based warnings he wrote would happen if Donald Trump were elected that have already began to come to pass. He also goes over something he wrote back in 2008 that the Trump presidency is also helping lead to fulfillment. Should you trust Bible prophecy or not? Dr. Thiel says that Bible prophecy can be trusted, despite the view of skeptics and others that either overlook or despise the Bible. This is a video.
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people? Here is a link to a video Is the USA Pushing Germany to Start WWIII?
Wars, rumors of wars, and the Apocalypse Jesus foretold a time before the end where there would be wars and rumors of wars. The Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) warns of the red horseman of war. Now, even secular writers, like Larry Edelson, are worried that wars and rumors of war are the most menacing problem that now haunts the earth? Are they right? What is the solution? This is a sermonette-length video.
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to a scripture that points to the USA in the 21st century? This article does.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
Forbes’ Brexit Monster is the Beast of Revelation Various ones have been properly convinced that there is a plan for a European superstate. Forbes’ writer Tom Worstall wrote that the Brexit vote was about the United Kingdom “not joining the monster of the European Union to come.” The Bible tells of a Beast monster that will arise in the end times in Europe. Dr. Thiel cites news reports, as well as the Old and New Testaments, to show that the monster many fear will arise in Europe, despite the vote by the British to exit the European Union.
Post Brexit Prophecy On June 23, 2016, the voters of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) chose to leave the European Union. Now with this BRitish EXIT (Brexit) vote, what is prophesied to happen to the UK? Will the UK do well or be taken over and made slaves? Dr. Thiel explains from biblical prophecies what is ahead for the UK, Europe, and even the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This is a video.
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