Microsoft Silently Rolls Out Anti-Hack Update For Windows Vista

The release of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 not only heralded a long-awaited update of the operating system, it also meant the end of two common Windows Vista anti-activation exploits - the Grace Timer exploit and the Paradox OEM BIOS activation crack. But those who think they can escape by not updating to Service Pack 1 would be sadly mistaken.

That's because Microsoft has surreptitiously released an anti-hack detection update via Windows Update. Those who chose to have Windows Vista install updates automatically would have this update installed and running by now.

"You can see that the KB940510 update is listed as Important. At this point, most users would assume it's an important patch that fixes flaws in Windows Vista and install it. Double-click on the update and you will find this short description."