August 5, 2015 By Shane Schick 2 min read

The Windows 10 update marks a major turning point for Microsoft customers who want to move to a cloud-based version of the classic operating system, but researchers say cybercriminals are acting quickly to dupe early adopters into installing ransomware as part of their upgrade.

Unlike previous versions of the OS that required a local installation, Microsoft is offering the Windows 10 update through a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model. However, Cisco revealed that cybercriminals are creating versions of the company’s email messages that, if clicked on, will inject the CTB Locker malware onto devices. A PC or tablet with CTB Locker installed will essentially be frozen unless the victim makes a cash payment within a four-day period. As CSO Online pointed out, the cybercriminals have replicated the Microsoft marketing materials very well, so be careful about what you open in your inbox regarding Windows 10.

The ransomware threat runs directly counter to Microsoft’s efforts to bolster its reputation for security with its Windows 10 update. For example, Trend Micro recently detailed major improvements in Edge, which will replace the Internet Explorer browser as part of the OS refresh. While IE had often been a target for attackers, Edge has done away with toolbars and Browser Helper Objects, which have proven vulnerable in the past. At the same time, Edge will include features such as an Enhanced Protected Mode sandbox, a way to deal with memory corruption and a tool for sweeping out what are known as use-after-free (UAF) exploits.

According to some experts, though, Microsoft may have overlooked a few other default features that could rile security professionals and put consumers at risk without being aware of it. The Hacker News reported that the Windows 10 update contains a mechanism called Windows Update Delivery Optimization (WUDO). While the concept of WUDO is well-intended — allowing those with a poor or limited Internet connection to get apps or updates quickly — the feature can also use up significant bandwidth. Throw in the way cybercriminals have traditionally used torrents to distribute malware, and it may be best in some cases to disable WUDO.

Of course, the Windows 10 update is the kind of thing that will trigger many computer users to make a significant change to their machines, so it’s not surprising that cybercriminals would want to find a way to get in on the action. And while Microsoft has suggested that in some ways this would be its last OS, don’t expect these to be the last security warnings you hear about it.

More from

Cybersecurity dominates concerns among the C-suite, small businesses and the nation

4 min read - Once relegated to the fringes of business operations, cybersecurity has evolved into a front-and-center concern for organizations worldwide. What was once considered a technical issue managed by IT departments has become a boardroom topic of utmost importance. With the rise of sophisticated cyberattacks, the growing use of generative AI by threat actors and massive data breach costs, it is no longer a question of whether cybersecurity matters but how deeply it affects every facet of modern operations.The 2024 Allianz Risk…

Autonomous security for cloud in AWS: Harnessing the power of AI for a secure future

3 min read - As the digital world evolves, businesses increasingly rely on cloud solutions to store data, run operations and manage applications. However, with this growth comes the challenge of ensuring that cloud environments remain secure and compliant with ever-changing regulations. This is where the idea of autonomous security for cloud (ASC) comes into play.Security and compliance aren't just technical buzzwords; they are crucial for businesses of all sizes. With data breaches and cyber threats on the rise, having systems that ensure your…

Adversarial advantage: Using nation-state threat analysis to strengthen U.S. cybersecurity

4 min read - Nation-state adversaries are changing their approach, pivoting from data destruction to prioritizing stealth and espionage. According to the Microsoft 2023 Digital Defense Report, "nation-state attackers are increasing their investments and launching more sophisticated cyberattacks to evade detection and achieve strategic priorities."These actors pose a critical threat to United States infrastructure and protected data, and compromising either resource could put citizens at risk.Thankfully, there's an upside to these malicious efforts: information. By analyzing nation-state tactics, government agencies and private enterprises are…

Topic updates

Get email updates and stay ahead of the latest threats to the security landscape, thought leadership and research.
Subscribe today