Windows 8 Vulnerable to Attack, Kaspersky Says

Kaspersky Lab product specialist Wayne Kirby says that the complex design of Microsoft's newest operating system (OS), Windows 8, increases its vulnerability to hackers. Not helping the situation, according to Kirby: the availability of multiple versions of Windows 8, including Windows RT.

Kirby says that, by offering consumers several different editions of its new OS, Microsoft has increased the number of flaws in the platform.

Multiple Operating Systems, Multiple Vulnerabilities

Kirby says that the multiple OS approach gives hackers more vulnerabilities to exploit.

"Because it contains three platforms, it leaves the gateway open for a much broader opening for ways into the system," Kirby said in a recent interview.

But that's not the only problem Kirby found with Windows 8: he also identified Windows 8's simple sign-on process as a potential security disaster.

"With one web console, you can now log in and have local administrative rights on a remote computer, go as far as manipulate registry on computers," Kirby said. "That leaves it open to a lot of vulnerabilities." (Source: pcworld.com)

SkyDrive Integration Opens Door to Hackers

Kirby also expressed concern about the links between Windows 8 and SkyDrive, Microsoft's new cloud storage service. Kirby suggests that building SkyDrive right into Windows 8 could allow hackers lots of access to sensitive personal information.

"Since SkyDrive is embedded in the operating system, it is one of the biggest threats to the security of personal data in the new operating system," Kirby added.

Kirby acknowledges that many consumers -- and particularly application developers -- like having easy access to SkyDrive in the new OS.

However, he insists that Microsoft needs to do more to make sure that the close links between the cloud service and the OS don't present serious security issues for users.

Kaspersky Lab has been making headlines quite a lot lately. Last week the security firm grabbed attention when chief executive Eugene Kaspersky indicated that steadily advancing cyberweapons now pose a "catastrophic" threat to national infrastructures. (Source: guardian.co.uk)