American software giant Microsoft held back from distributing a free security update that could have protected computers from the WannaCry global cyberattack, the Financial TimesIn mid-march, Microsoft distributed a security update after it detected the security flaw in its XP operating system that enabled the so-called WannaCry ransomware to infiltrate and freeze computers last week. But the software giant only sent the free security update – or patch – to users of the most recent version of the Windows 10 operating system, the report said. Users of older software, such as Windows XP, had to pay hefty fees for technical support, it added. A Microsoft spokesperson based in the United States told AFP: “Microsoft offers custom support agreements as a stopgap measure” for companies that choose not to upgrade their systems. Microsoft ended up distributing the free patch for the older versions on Friday – the day the ransomware was detected.

Source: Egypt Independent May 19, 2017 11:37 UTC