Windows Stealth patching!!

[Molly/CA]

According to Windows Secrets newsletter

http://windowssecrets.com/

(useful and free!)

Microsoft has recently begun patching files on XP and Vista computers without the users' knowledge or consent, and even if "automatic updates" is turned off (or set to download and ask -- download yes, ask no). AND is not publishing anything about their doing it.

In other words, they're using hacker techniques to alter executable files on Windows computers. The article lists the files and has a couple links which might help block the updates.

The scary thing about this to my mind is not just that Microsoft has decided it can steal our computers at will, but even more that although these patches are harmless (no one seems to know what they're for and MS isn't telling), it would seem that a person of ill will, a disgruntled employee, say, at Microsoft could so easily change that.