Russians are using undiscovered exploits to hack the US government

If you’ve been wondering how Russian cyberattackers could compromise the White House and other high-profile targets, the security researchers at FireEye have an answer. They’ve determined that APT28, a politically-motivated Russian hacking group, used unpatched exploits in Flash Player and Windows in a series of assaults against the US government on April 13th. Patches for both flaws are either ready or on the way, but the vulnerabilities reinforce beliefs that APT28 is very skilled — less experienced groups would use off-the-shelf code.

Whether or not APT28 is linked to the earlier White House breach isn’t apparent. FireEye says it can’t comment on the connections, since that’s classified information. If there is a link, though, it’ll be clearer than ever that the US is up against a particularly fierce digital espionage campaign.

[Image credit: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images]

Filed under: Internet, Microsoft

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Via: Reuters

Source: FireEye

Windows 10’s phone maps help you find things to do

To put it mildly, Windows Phone’s official mapping options are… basic. However, Microsoft is promising a better experience with the mobile Maps app in Windows 10. Get a recent preview version of Windows 10 and you’ll see a map interface that is not only decidedly more modern-looking, but ties in more closely with Bing and rolls in some Here Maps features. You’ll get the usual photos, reviews and directions (including Here’s in-car navigation), but you’ll also have an easier time finding things to do. You can specify that you’re looking for something to eat near your hotel, for instance, and book the table reservation on the spot. This upgrade probably won’t get you to switch phone platforms, but it’s a big deal if you’re a Windows phone fan who’d like to get Microsoft’s best mapping services in a single app.

Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Microsoft

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Source: Blogging Windows

Windows 10 phone preview will get Office universal apps by month’s end

We’ve already seen Microsoft’s Universal Office apps hit tablets, laptops and desktops as part of the Windows 10 Technical Preview, now the company has announced they’ll be headed to phones by the end of the month. The Universal Office apps, which so far include Word, Excel and PowerPoint, are meant to show off a new touch friendly version of Microsoft’s long-running productivity suite. But they’re also an example of how developers can build one app that easily runs across a variety of Windows 10 devices. On phones, the Office Universal apps highlight the content of your documents, with typical commands and controls at the bottom of the screen. Microsoft says that should help with editing documents one-handed. On tablets, the Office apps look more like the full-fledged Office 2016 desktop apps, but with a interface tweaks to make them easier to navigate with your fingers.

Microsoft has been working on cross-compatible apps even before Windows 8, but it looks like that dream will finally be realized with Windows 10. And that makes plenty of sense, since Windows 10 is meant to run across phones, tablets, traditional PCs and even the Xbox One. Microsoft’s had a hard time convincing developers to dedicate resources to Windows 8 apps, but devs may think differently if they’re able to create a single app that easily runs across multiple platforms. Think of Windows 10 not as a mere operating system update for Microsoft — instead, it’s the centerpiece of a completely unified Windows platform.

Filed under: Mobile, Microsoft

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Cyanogen will include Microsoft apps in its Cyanogen OS

In what can only be described as an interesting turn of events for the Android ecosystem, Cyanogen today is reporting that they will be partnering with Microsoft to bring and integrate the tech giants many apps and services right into Cyanogen OS. This would include services like Bing, Skype, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook and Microsoft Office. What this means exactly is not yet known, but hopefully Cyanogen OS will remain true to its Android roots and not steer towards becoming another version of Windows.

While it’s no secret that Cyanogen and Google have had a strained relationship over the years, it is still odd to see Microsoft directly investing in one of its competitors. Who knows, maybe it will pay off for everyone in the end. For now, we can only sit back and ponder. For more information regarding the partnership, you can follow the link below.

Source: Digital Journal

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Cyanogen OS will now come with Microsoft apps pre-installed

Remember when it was rumored that Microsoft was investing in Cyanogen? That turned out to be untrue, but they were obviously working together since they just announced a new partnership.

The Cyanogen OS will now include Bing services, Skype, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, and Microsoft Office.

Why is Cyanogen doing this? They are trying to separate themselves with Google by offering phone manufacturers a complete software package so they don’t need to hire a development team. This makes it easier for manufacturers in developing countries to manufacture a phone much quicker. Cyanogen doesn’t want to offer Google app on these phones, so they have gone to Microsoft for a deal that brings people similar services.

It’s a win win since Cyanogen now has a more “complete” OS and Microsoft gets more exposure for the apps since nobody is buying Windows phones.

Microsoft has been going other similar deals in that they are lowering their patent licensing fees they charge to other Android manufacturers in exchange for pre-installing some of their apps.

Full Press Release

Cyanogen Announces Strategic Partnership With Microsoft

Cyanogen Open OS Platform to Offer Microsoft Services Later This Year

PALO ALTO, CA–(Marketwired – April 16, 2015) – Cyanogen Inc. and Microsoft Corp. announced a partnership to integrate popular Microsoft services across the Cyanogen Operating System. With offices in Palo Alto and Seattle, Cyanogen is a leading mobile operating system company that is evolving the Android platform to create a more open, level playing field for third-party developed apps and services.

Under the partnership, Cyanogen will integrate and distribute Microsoft’s consumer apps and services across core categories, including productivity, messaging, utilities, and cloud-based services. As part of this collaboration, Microsoft will create native integrations on Cyanogen OS, enabling a powerful new class of experiences.

“People around the world use Cyanogen’s operating system and popular Microsoft services to engage with what matters most to them on their mobile devices,” said Kirt McMaster, CEO of Cyanogen Inc. “This exciting partnership with Microsoft will enable us to bring new kinds of integrated services to mobile users in markets around the world.”

“We aspire to have our tools within arm’s reach of everyone, to empower them in all aspects of their lives. This partnership represents another important step towards that ambition,” said Peggy Johnson, Executive Vice President of Microsoft Corp. “We’ll continue to deliver world-class experiences across productivity and communications on Windows, and we’re delighted that Cyanogen users will soon be able to take advantage of those same powerful services.”

The distribution arrangement includes a number of Microsoft services: Bing services, Skype, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, and Microsoft Office.

About Cyanogen Inc.
Cyanogen is reimagining mobile computing, giving power to the people to customize their mobile device and content experiences. The CYANOGEN® operating system is built on Android and known for its revolutionary personalization features, intuitive interface, speed, improved battery life, and enhanced security. With a rapidly growing global user base and a vibrant community of developers, we’re intelligently connecting smartphone and tablet consumers to people, apps, and things they love. For more information, visit Cyanogen’s website, Google+, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Microsoft slashes patent licensing fees for OEMs that pre-install its apps and services

Despite having its own mobile operating system to foster, Microsoft cares very much about other platforms. The company invests heavily in supporting users of Android and iOS devices in addition to Windows. Late last month, Microosft had signed deals with eleven hardware manufacturers to pre-install select apps and services. The deals put Office, OneDrive, and Skype onto a multitude of Android devices that are available now and on the way. For example, the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge feature the aforementioned Microsoft software products.

So what is it that these companies get in return for having Microsoft apps and services pre-installed? Discounted patent licensing fees. Companies such as Samsung and Dell have access to Microsoft’s patent portfolio at a discounted price. It costs them less to implement the patents into their products and all that is required is bundling a few items. The decision to slash patent licensing fees has reportedly helped Microsoft as hardware manufacturers are always seeking to expand gross margins.

Source: Digitimes

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