In the news today: Hackers launch lawsuit for right to distribute their products

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Interesting article in this mornings news...

 

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Microsoft prevents downloading malware. Hackers launch lawsuit for right to distribute their products.

 

April 1, 2012

Washington, DC

By Jonathan Dough

United Associates News Desk

 

In an unusual Saturday meeting, a consortium of “hackers” met yesterday with the FTC and DOJ to file a lawsuit, alleging Microsoft’s (NASDAQ:MSFT) Security Essentials anti-malware product for consumers is so thorough that it does not allow them the ability to easily infect unsuspecting user’s PCs with worms, Trojans, viruses, root-kits, spyware, or malicious scripts. This appears to be a response to Microsoft’s action last week, where the software giant was successful in taking down dozens of ZeuS and SpyEye botnets using the “Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

 

A representative for the consortium, who asked not to be identified, is leveraging the First and Fourth Amendments in this unusual case, claiming distribution [of malware] is a basic right, and that Microsoft is prohibiting their rights under the Constitution of the United States and Bill of Rights.

 

“We work very hard making life difficult for PC users” said the representative. “Many of our clients (botnets, adult sites, scareware suppliers, fraudulent product manufacturers, etc.) need to get their product to the PC user, and Microsoft’s anti-malware stance is denying us the right to free commerce, limiting our free speech, and removing our downloads.”

 

Indeed, it would appear there is a need for some malware. An independent support technician in California claims he now has too much idle time, as he no longer spends hours trying to repair customer’s PCs due to damage caused by malware. “They are trying to stop malware, and that is just not fair to those of us who uninstall malware and repair PCs. I cleanup PCs for a living, and calls for my services have dropped fifty percent”.

 

Microsoft also appears challenged by other PC support providers in the suit, alleging their customer service calls have also diminished. “The long-term effect of PCs that perform well is they are not replaced, which impacts PC manufacturers and, ultimately, Microsoft’s future [software] sales” commented one spokesperson.

 

Comments from anti-malware providers also echoed concerns. A UK company spokesperson stated, “Of course we can stop malware – that’s not the point. Some malware must get through to the PC user. As the old saying goes, ‘Those who pay the piper call the tune’. Our stock holders would not be pleased if we were to dismiss such a revenue opportunity.” When asked about Microsoft providing a product as comprehensive as Security Essentials, for free, the reply was “Not very sporting, is it?” A recently convicted spammer takes issue with not being allowed to send spam: “No one likes junk mail [delivered by the post office]. However, the post office is required [by law] to deliver it”.

 

In addition to their action last week, it would appear that Microsoft is taking a definitive position against spam, malware, and violations of proprietary rights. In March 2010, Microsoft was successful at obtaining an injunction to shutdown 277 domains used by the Waledac Botnet, and in 2011 shutdown the Rustock Botnet. And, Microsoft’s efforts appear more vigilant regarding the upcoming release of Windows 8, which includes more protection than its predecessors plus an integrated version of Security Essentials. It appears anti-malware protection is no longer an option in today’s world.

 

Microsoft could not be reached for comment.

 

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