Microsoft and Apple 'must improve security patches'

The argument over whether or not Apple and Microsoft (and some other, less common operating system publishers, as well) should publish device driver updates for all compatible devices has raged for a long time.

In the past, I sided with those saying "no", figuring the OS vendors were taking on something for which they weren't responsible. I was okay leaving the responsibility to me, the user. But my argument ignored the fact that most users are incapable of keeping up with this task, not to mention that they don't want the work load. They just want to use the computer.

I think MS and Apple and the rest have to start doing this. Recent security research has concentrated on device drivers as routes for getting into a computer. Right now, wireless device drivers are the target, but there are many others that could be used for nefarious purposes, as well. MS could bundle this service in with One Care or simply do it in Windows Update and Microsoft Update simply as an act in their users' best interests.

It has to happen. Regular users are not capable of securing their systems now. With new vectors of attack being revealed at a dizzying pace, this will only get worse.

Jack

P.S. Don't forget to disable your wireless connection when out in public, unless you are using it.