Microsoft has issued a security warning to users of the Gadget sidebar in Windows Vista and Gadgets in Windows 7. Gadgets are the little applets like a clock, news headline feed, or weather feed that can be added to the desktop area. Apparently a method has been developed to allow for the creation of custom gadgets, that when added to their computer system by users, would allow the providers of the gadget remote access and control of the computer, and other illicit actions.
Two security researchers are planning to present their findings at Black Hat in Las Vegas this week. Microsoft has released a security advisory with a Fix-It link that completely disables Gadgets in Windows 7 and Vista. Sophos recommends that you apply this patch as soon as possible. WyzGuys concurs. It is just not worth the risk of hanging on to your Gadgets.
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About the Author:
I am a cybersecurity and IT instructor, cybersecurity analyst, pen-tester, trainer, and speaker. I am an owner of the WyzCo Group Inc. In addition to consulting on security products and services, I also conduct security audits, compliance audits, vulnerability assessments and penetration tests. I also teach Cybersecurity Awareness Training classes. I work as an information technology and cybersecurity instructor for several training and certification organizations. I have worked in corporate, military, government, and workforce development training environments I am a frequent speaker at professional conferences such as the Minnesota Bloggers Conference, Secure360 Security Conference in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, the (ISC)2 World Congress 2016, and the ISSA International Conference 2017, and many local community organizations, including Chambers of Commerce, SCORE, and several school districts. I have been blogging on cybersecurity since 2006 at http://wyzguyscybersecurity.com