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Microsoft doesn't see Windows RT jailbreak as a security threat

Posted: , by Michael H.

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Microsoft doesn't see Windows RT jailbreak as a security threat
Soon after we heard about the Windows RT jailbreak, Microsoft came out and applauded the work of the developer, and now the folks from Redmond want to reassure users and say that the Windows RT jailbreak is not a security threat to the system. Although, the reasoning behind this announcement is a bit suspect.

On the matter of the jailbreak, Microsoft investigated the jailbreak, and the easy jailbreak tool, and said: 
This issue is not a security vulnerability, and we have not seen attempts to take advantage of this social engineering technique. In order for this social engineering technique to be successful, a user would need to be lured to click on a malicious link, and also click through an additional security alert. As always, we encourage all customers to avoid opening suspicious links and emails. We continue to appreciate the work of researchers, and we will take appropriate action to help protect customers.

So, the key here is that Microsoft has deemed this to not be a security threat, because in order to run the jailbreak, a user has to go through multiple checkpoints. This essentially means that jailbreaking is only a threat if it can be done without the user's knowledge, and doesn't mention anything about any threats possible after the jailbreak is done. 

That's where we are a bit suspicious, because quite often when people are talking about the risks associated with jailbreaking or rooting, it isn't in regards to having the jailbreak or root done to you unknowingly. It is always assumed that anyone who jailbreaks or roots, does so consciously. The risks are always referred to in regards to what is possible after the jailbreak or root is accomplished, and that original security barrier is down. Microsoft hasn't commented on that front yet. And, we have to remember that Microsoft has ominously said that this jailbreak method may not be available in future releases.

source: The Next Web

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1. valapsp posted on 13 Jan 2013, 21:16 3

Because Microsoft is not Apple.

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2. MichaelHeller posted on 13 Jan 2013, 21:36 8

Microsoft has locked down the Windows RT ecosystem to only approved apps, no Flash, and it has hinted that it will close the jailbreak exploit. That sounds a lot like Apple.

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3. fanboysrdumb posted on 13 Jan 2013, 21:52 2

dont worry michael common sense left a long time ago. dont bother yourself just keep on chugging along with them nice pieces of writing

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4. Bluesky02 posted on 14 Jan 2013, 02:34

The WinTel relationship is what kept Windows RT locked down, i think so.

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5. Luuthian posted on 14 Jan 2013, 03:41 1

This is barely important for MS. There's the obvious repurcussions that come with a jailbreak but usually piracy is the only major threat. Thing is, Windows 8 barely has anything worth pirating. Even more important, the userbase is so small that the people with the knowhow to handle this jailbreak will be few and far between. Especially because the jailbreak is so complex.

MS will just close the hole and that will be that.

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