Updated Samsung computer users could find themselves wide open to attack because the software the Korean giant bundles on its systems disables Windows Update.
The problem was spotted by independent security researcher Patrick Barker after a Windows user complained that the Windows Update function, which automatically downloads patches and security fixes from Microsoft, was being randomly disabled.
The culprit turned out to be a piece of code called SWUpdate, which Samsung bundles on its machines to handle driver updates for its hardware. SWUpdate, in turn, runs an executable called Disable_Windowsupdate.exe as part of its standard operations. Guess what that does.
I can't comment about elsewhere in the world, but Samsung aren't real popular here in Australia with six washing machine models subject to recall. Nightly news featuring Samsung Washing Machines causing fires. Then there are other Samsung issues in the news I can only vaguely recall.
How odd. Why on earth they would want to block the updates I have no idea! I wonder if it's an error causing that as it says it's random.
tangor
11:24 am on Jun 25, 2015 (gmt 0)
These hardware updates are things all need to monitor. I've always wondered why Nvidia (example) needed to create a Admin level user account. Looks like some folks aren't talking to other folks. :)
J_RaD
9:52 pm on Jun 25, 2015 (gmt 0)
uninstall samsung bloat, problem solved.
IanCP
10:13 pm on Jun 25, 2015 (gmt 0)
uninstall samsung bloat, problem solved
I did precisely the same with my Lenovo Laptop. Dumped the Lenovo bloat, the McAfee bloat and all the other junk included.
It then sang to me. I then installed what I wanted including Windows 10. Still works.
bill
2:44 am on Jun 26, 2015 (gmt 0)
The more savvy among us would likely wipe the PC and start from scratch. As long as I have the hardware drivers there's no need for a lot of this add-on junk. It does make things "easier" for the average consumer, but this is another reason I tend to stay away from brand name hardware if I can help it.
IanCP
9:49 am on Jun 26, 2015 (gmt 0)
this is another reason I tend to stay away from brand name hardware
Myself as well
My Desktops are all "Ian C Purdie - Custom Designed & Built" models. Components sourced from many suppliers with the best deals at the time.
[ADDED] Rugged Power Supply and MB with the best capacitors. The best cooling system around. Both primary reasons for PC failures.
J_RaD
12:40 pm on Jun 27, 2015 (gmt 0)
The more savvy among us would likely wipe the PC and start from scratch
I don't think you have to go that far... just on your 1st boot spend a little time in the uninstall section.
tangor
7:55 am on Jun 28, 2015 (gmt 0)
UPDATE:
Samsung has promised to release a patch for its computers so that they no longer kill off automatic Windows updates.
On Wednesday, reverse-engineering specialist Patrick Barker blogged about a program suspiciously called Disable_Windowsupdate.exe that is bundled on Sammy machines and shuts down automatic Windows Updates – including security updates.
Users have to remember to install updates from Microsoft manually, and if they opt for automatic installation, Samsung's software disables it. The firm's support staff told him that was to make sure Samsung's hardware drivers were not removed or overridden by Microsoft's upgrades.
