Microsoft disappointed at Google for disclosing security vulnerability in Windows 8.1 two days before issuing the corresponding patch.
Early this month, Google published details about a security flaw in Windows 8.1 that is currently unpatched and it could allow malicious individuals to exploit this vulnerability. The search giant made the decision to publish the bug as part of its Project Zero, which gives companies 90 days to fix any vulnerability before making the information public.
The problem is that Microsoft made aware to Google that it was planning to release the corresponding fix on its next Patch Tuesday update and the search giant went ahead disclosing the bug details.
Although, the software giant understands Google’s policies, the company feels that the search company was just playing “gotcha” without taking in consideration customer safety. Chris Betz, Microsoft’s senior director for the Security Response Center shares “What’s right for Google is not always right for customers. We urge Google to make protection of customers our collective primary goal.”
Microsoft’s senior director insists that fixing security bugs can be a “complex, extensive and time-consumer process” and Google should have been more cooperative as the software can affect millions of users.
Google, on its defends, says that 90-days is more than enough time to let companies fix their security vulnerabilities, before the company goes public with the information through Project Zero. The search giant also believes that its policy pushes software companies to address more quickly any vulnerability. However, Microsoft disagrees saying that fully disclosing a security vulnerability before a fix is issued, it only endangers those customers who depend on the software.
Do you agree with Google’s decision to publish Microsoft’s security vulnerability, when the company knew a fix was coming?
Source Microsoft
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].