Microsoft spanks Google for publishing bug report

Microsoft has lashed out against Google after the search giant publicised a security flaw in the Windows programme, which apparently put users at risk.

Google decided to publish details of the security issue as part of its Project Zero initiative, which pressures firms into dealing with security defects more quickly.

Microsoft scrambled to condemn the post, before issuing a patch to fix the issue.

Google’s move was criticised by several security researchers.

“I feel sorry for the users, who could be impacted by Google’s schoolyard antics,” tweeted expert Graham Cluley.

“We asked Google to work with us to protect customers by withholding details until Tuesday, January 13, when we will be releasing a fix,” Microsoft’s senior director of research Chris Betz said in a blog post.

“Although following through keeps to Google’s announced timeline for disclosure, the decision feels less like principles and more like a ‘gotcha’, with customers the ones who may suffer as a result.

“What’s right for Google is not always right for customers. We urge Google to make protection of customers our collective primary goal.”