Re: Computer misuse act
The article told us what happened. The counterfeiters wrote a bootloader so it would bypass some protection code. Cisco's update had a new bootloader. Cisco's update knew how to install the bootloader and that it would work on their gear. The counterfeit device didn't think it through and installed the new bootloader, wiping out their custom one. Their custom one being required, that didn't end well.
On a legal basis, it's not Cisco's responsibility. If they knew of counterfeit goods, it would have been easier for them to just call law enforcement. But they are not under any responsibility to ensure their updates work on equipment they didn't license the software to run on. Sadly, they often aren't required to make sure their software works correctly on the devices they do build either, though you can sue them for lost productivity if that happens.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
