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Microsoft Calls Viruses "Industrial Terrorism"

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the emotional-appeal dept.

evenprime writes: "John Ashcroft wants congress to declare computer crimes to be terrorism, and now it looks like microsoft is trying to jump on the bandwagon. In a recent column discussing microsoft's new STPP security program, microsoft's Michael Lane Thomas stated that destructive viruses should be recognized as acts of 'industrial terrorism.' Sounds like microsoft's future security plans may depend more on legislation than on code audits."

5 of 473 comments (clear)

  1. You'd be surprised, AC Man by Greyfox · · Score: 3, Informative

    Check out Open Secrets and do a search on Microsoft. Their contributions were nickle and dime stuff for them, though it is interesting to note how they hedge their bets (Though the republicans seem to be getting about 3x more from them lately than the dems are.)

    --

    I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?

  2. ROFTL: MS should watch what they wish for ! by redelm · · Score: 3, Informative
    Don't many of Microsoft's products meet the defintion of a virus?:

    Makes the computer run slow

    unexplained disk activity

    makes files disappear randomly

    causes machine lockups

  3. Those don't look inconsistent by roystgnr · · Score: 3, Informative

    Changing the statute of limitations for a crime does not change the definition of a crime (so doesn't violate the first clause you italicized) nor does it change the penalty for the crime (so it doesn't violate the second clause). I agree that there's a bit of questionable morality going on here, but they're careful to keep it Constitutional, and that seems to be sufficient to keep it within UN guidelines as well.

  4. Let's get this straight by humming · · Score: 2, Informative

    Terrorism:
    The act of a small group of a people against rulers, hoping that the retaliation of the rulers should angry the masses enough to revolt against the government.

    Terror:
    What the rulers use to oppress the people.

    Viruses, hacking, DoS is neither of these. There already are a strong word for it, 'sabotage'.

    //Humming

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    I'm too stupid to preview.
  5. Re:breaking news (another analogy) by QuaZar666 · · Score: 2, Informative

    Every software from microsoft contained a EULA which gives you the ability to use the software but they are not liable for any software errors.

    <eula> To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall Microsoft or its suppliers be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or any other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT </eula>

    Qua