Microsoft Windows XP source code was recently leaked, alongside other various older operating system iterations. While the leak prompted the tech giant to take action, there's still the question of whether or not it can do any significant damage at this point. As Windows 10 users struggle with troublesome updates, those using the much older Windows XP might have to contend with something much worse.
Windows XP's reliable interface and updated looks made it among Microsoft's most popular and widely-utilized OS iterations ever since it debuted back in 2001. Its popularity led to numerous illegitimate copies being shared online privately for years. However, its source code has never been leaked publicly before now. Despite facing criticism for its lack of transparency, Microsoft is making it clear that it won't be brushing off the recent leak that easily.
According to The Verge, the leaked Windows XP content is reportedly “legitimate” and Microsoft is already “investigating” the issue. Aside from Windows XP, the leak also included source code for older Windows iterations such as Windows Server 2003, Windows CE, MS-DOS and more. Strangely enough, the leak also contained various conspiracy theory pieces aimed towards lambasting Microsoft founder Bill Gates. It's unclear whether or not the leaked files were enough to be compiled into bootable operating system images, but a number of NetMeeting user certificate root signing keys were already unearthed by researchers.
Microsoft supported Windows XP longer than it did Windows 7, which was discontinued this year, making its stay way overdue by now. Those still stuck utilizing the decades-old software are likely now more prone to cyberthreats, especially since the files from the recently leaked source code can be reverse-engineered by hackers into malware attacks. However, Windows XP isn't as prevalent nowadays as it was back then, and Microsoft's constant reminder to its userbase to upgrade to the latest OS software only serves to discourage people from using older iterations even further.
With company systems and newer computers utilizing Microsoft's latest OS, there might not be much of an incentive for hackers to target Windows XP as its userbase begins to dwindle. Furthermore, Microsoft continued to release security fixes and virus preventive measures for Windows XP up until as recently as last year, despite its official support being halted back in 2014, making it even less of an enticing target for would-be malicious attackers. At this rate, Windows users should be more cautious about Microsoft updates than older OS version leaks.
Source: The Verge
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