According to an emailed statement by Microsoft, computers running on the company’s OS won’t be at risk. Microsoft stated in the email that “[Microsoft takes] security issues very seriously and [is] continuing a deeper analysis to determine if additional steps are necessary to further protect our customers.” The company also noted that the alleged hacking tools used by CIA appear to target older systems.
Android devices in danger
Unlike Microsoft and Apple, Samsung didn’t manage to assure its customers of their devices’ safety. The company said in a statement that its top priority is to protect consumers’ privacy. However, about 97% of Android devices are currently running older software which could be vulnerable to the alleged hack.
Apple’s latest software safe
Apple also made sure to inform its customers that the company’s latest software should be safe from the alleged hacking. In a statement, Apple said that many of the alleged issues were already patched in the latest iOS. “Apple is deeply committed to safeguarding our customers’ privacy and security. The technology built into today’s iPhone represents the best data security available to consumers and we’re constantly working to keep it that way. Our products and software are designed to quickly get security updates into the hands of our customers, with nearly 80 percent of users running the latest version of our operating system. While our initial analysis indicates that many of the issues leaked today were already patched in the latest iOS, we will continue to work rapidly address any identified vulnerabilities. We always urge customers to download the latest iOS to make sure they have the most recent security updates.” WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said on Thursday that the organization will work with Apple, Google, Samsung and other tech companies, so they could close holes before WikiLeaks releases more details on the CIA’s hacking program.
CIA: The American public should be troubled
In response to the leakage by WikiLeaks, the Central Intelligence Agency neither confirmed nor denied the documents were genuine. However, a CIA spokesman said in a statement that “the American public should be deeply troubled by any WikiLeaks disclosure designed to damage the Intelligence Community’s ability to protect America against terrorists and other adversaries.”
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) March 8, 2017 According to the leaked documents, the CIA has produced more than 1.000 malware systems. These alleged malware systems (viruses, trojans, and other) can infiltrate and take control of target electronics.
