Fury over Windows 10 preloads; 'Porn Droid' targets device PINs; McAfee runs for US president

Microsoft has come under fire after it was reported that computers running older versions of Windows are silently downloading a multi-gigabyte preload for Windows 10 — without asking user permission.

The Inquirer reported the story after a reader complained that he had found what appeared to be a folder containing Windows 10 installation files on his computer — even though he had no plans to upgrade to the new version of the OS, and he had not put in a reservation request for it.

The reader was quoted as saying: “The symptoms are repeated failed 'Upgrade to Windows 10' in the WU update history and a huge 3.5 GB to 6 GB hidden folder labelled '$Windows.~BT'."

“Not only does it download, it tries to install every time the computer is booted," the reader went on.

When The Inquirer asked for a comment, Microsoft reportedly said: “For individuals who have chosen to receive automatic updates through Windows Update, we help upgradable devices get ready for Windows 10 by downloading the files they'll need if they decide to upgrade… When the upgrade is ready, the customer will be prompted to install Windows 10 on the device."

According to the Guardian, users have reported the Windows 10 preload occurs on Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 computers that have automatic updates turned on.

While some commentators have defended the automatic Windows 10 preload, many people are furious, for several reasons.

For one, many users have internet plans with download caps — once the user hits their cap, their download speed is limited, or they may have to pay their ISP a fee for any downloads over the quota. Any silent download — particularly if it is a multi-gigabyte one — could tip them over their quota and result in dollars leaving their wallet.

Also, users may have limited space on their disk drives — particularly if they are using a smaller laptop with an SSD. A large download would certainly take up a sizable chunk of a 32 GB drive.

Examples of user fury can be seen on Reddit (caution: lots of NSFW language at this link).

Comments range from the relatively measured “What the heck kind of parasitic nature is Windows taking on now?" to the more colourful “I hate Microsoft, with a passion. [They] are the f***ing plague."

Beware Porn Droid

Researchers from infosec company ESET have identified new ransomware for Android devices that locks users out of their device and sets a new PIN.

The researchers, who dubbed the malware LockerPIN, said it was the first PIN-setting ransomware for Android.

The malware also prompts users to pay a US$500 ransom for allegedly viewing and harbouring forbidden pornographic material, ESET said.

According to ESET, LockerPIN spreads by masquerading as an app for viewing adult/pornographic videos. In all cases the company has observed, the app calls itself Porn Droid.

“Fortunately, you can't download this application from the official Google Play Store. This Trojan can be delivered to users from third-party markets, warez forums or torrents. The most effective way to avoid getting infected and being locked out from your device is by proactive preventive measures. We strongly advise users to keep their antivirus software up to date," ESET said.

More information is available on the We Live Security blog.

McAfee runs for president

Antivirus pioneer John McAfee is running for US president, according to a Reuters news report.

McAfee is, of course, the founder of McAfee Associates, a company that has gone through various incarnations including McAfee Inc and Intel Security Inc.

And according to Reuters, last week he filed the paperwork to become a US presidential candidate in the November 2016 election.

Apparently McAfee wants to put more limits on the government's reach into the lives of Americans, strengthen privacy protections and “return sanity to the government.

Image courtesy Microsoft