Netflix Users at Risk

*facepalm* – Language warning for those who are at work or something.

http://www.net-security.org/malware_news.php?id=2629

“Silverlight has failed to surpass the popularity of Flash, but it’s nonetheless used by many users around the world, including over 40 million users of popular on-demand Internet streaming service Netflix.” – Quote from article

The article I linked, is complete fucking bullshit.

First, the title. “Netflix users are at risk.” .. So, if I don’t use Netflix, I’m ok? I don’t need to worry about it. I mean, no other company uses Silverlight, right?

Well, actually, as you can see from the quote I put above, even they say it, “used by many users around the world”. INCLUDING Netflix (on windows).

Oh, let’s ignore that Microsoft ALREADY put a patch out for this. A patch, that automatically installs if you have updates still enabled. Let’s ignore that the only way to have this effect you, is if you go to a compromised site.

What this article is doing, which it has done rather well, is using a scare tactic to drive up it’s views. Even got me to hit the site. Heck, I will flat out admit, I am piggy-backing on it with this post!

The issue is, many people don’t fucking read everything anymore. They look at the heading, a few words here and there, and then move on. I even do this.

So, reading this as one who does that, the summary of the article is that people who watch Netflix using a Silverlight browser are going to have their computer hijacked. That’s it, that’s what they are implying.

1. Do your fucking security updates, and you will be fine.
2. It is not Netflix that is the issue, it’s compromised websites. What the fuck are you doing going to those kind of sites anyways?
3. If you do proper system maintenance, including virus scans and malware scans.. well.. Even if you don’t update your Silverlight browser (IE for most) with the latest security updates, your scanning software should be able to help you after the fact.

Of course, I will say it.. BACK YOUR SHIT UP!

Hmm.. I should probably do that myself..

“The vulnerability has been patched by Microsoft earlier this year, but we all know that many, many users are pretty lax when it comes to keeping their software updated. ” – Another quote

Even in their own fucked up article, they say it’s been patched. EARLIER THIS YEAR!

So, not only is this a non-issue if you are even remotely a savvy user. Not only is it NOT Netflix the cause. Yet, it has been patched, what.. IN MARCH!

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/bulletin/ms13-022

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS13-022 – Critical
Vulnerability in Silverlight Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2814124)
Published: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 | Updated: Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Yup. This is over 5 months old now. Way to be current there!

I bet I could crawl through the Security Bulletins for Apple or even a Linux Distro and write up some scare tactic article that is almost half a year old.

Instead, I will just be a simple thing, much like the writer of the scare article… To rip off a quote I heard from some one else… No talent ass clown.

-Z