Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Microsoft’s warning was a historical policy argument made after the May 2017 WannaCrypt attack: governments should disclose software vulnerabilities to affected vendors instead of stockpiling, selling, or exploiting them. Brad Smith, then Microsoft’s president and chief legal officer, argued that government-held exploits can leak and put the public at risk. His proposed “Digital Geneva Convention” was a recommendation, not an adopted international rule.
Why did Microsoft warn governments against stockpiling exploits?
On May 14, 2017, Brad Smith urged governments to treat WannaCrypt as a warning about retaining vulnerabilities and the exploits built to take advantage of them. In Microsoft’s account, the WannaCrypt exploit had been stolen from the U.S. National Security Agency, while vulnerabilities stored by the CIA had appeared on WikiLeaks. Smith’s point was that tools or knowledge held by governments could escape their control and cause widespread harm once exposed.
Smith compared a stolen government cyber exploit to conventional weapons stolen from a military. The analogy framed vulnerability retention as a public-safety issue: governments, he argued, should account for the risk to civilians when they keep and use software weaknesses. His conclusion was direct: “The governments of the world should treat this attack as a wake-up call.” Microsoft On the Issues, May 14, 2017
What did Microsoft propose instead?
Smith called for governments to report vulnerabilities to vendors rather than stockpile, sell, or exploit them. He linked that demand to a proposed “Digital Geneva Convention” and called for urgent collective action involving technology companies, customers, and governments. As Smith put it, “This is one reason we called in February for a new ‘Digital Geneva Convention’ to govern these issues, including a new requirement for governments to report vulnerabilities to vendors, rather than stockpile, sell, or exploit them.” Microsoft On the Issues, May 14, 2017
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The post records Microsoft’s policy position; it does not establish that the proposed convention became a treaty, binding rule, or internationally adopted policy. Nor does it provide a definitive count of how often governments stockpile exploits or a measure of the total harm caused by the practice.
How coordinated vulnerability disclosure works
Microsoft’s later explanation of Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure (CVD) describes a process in which researchers share findings with affected vendors so those vendors can assess and address vulnerabilities before details become public. Microsoft says this gives it an opportunity to issue updates before proof-of-concept code reaches attackers. This is Microsoft’s description of its own process, not a guarantee that every disclosure follows the same sequence or that disclosure alone settles government policy questions. Microsoft Security Response Center, May 27, 2026
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The policy contrast in Smith’s argument is between telling a vendor about a weakness so it can be addressed and retaining it for government use. Governments may value retained vulnerabilities for intelligence or operational purposes, but the sources cited here do not establish the evidence or full arguments on either side of that trade-off. Microsoft’s 2017 post argues for disclosure; it is not a neutral assessment of every government’s reasons for retention.
What does Microsoft say about the time between disclosure and exploitation?
Microsoft’s Digital Defense Report 2022 says an exploit becomes available in the wild an average of 14 days after a vulnerability is publicly disclosed. That is the report’s average, not a universal deadline or a prediction for any particular vulnerability. The figure helps explain why disclosure timing and patch readiness matter, but it does not by itself show whether government retention or a particular disclosure policy reduces overall risk. Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2022
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What is Microsoft’s current government-security context?
Microsoft’s Government Security Program offers qualified governments access to certain security information and resources, including controlled access to source code and exchanges about threats and vulnerabilities. The program page does not say that participants must disclose vulnerabilities they discover to vendors, and it does not establish that the program resolves the policy debate Smith raised in 2017. Microsoft Government Security Program
Separately, Microsoft’s Security Update Guide describes the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) as investigating vulnerability reports affecting Microsoft products and services and publishing information to help customers manage risks and updates. This describes Microsoft’s handling of reports and updates, not an international rule governing governments’ own vulnerability decisions. Microsoft Security Update Guide
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What remains unresolved?
The sources establish what Smith and Microsoft advocated in 2017, but not the subsequent status or measurable effect of the proposed Digital Geneva Convention. They also do not demonstrate which government vulnerability-review policies work best. The grounded takeaway is narrower: Microsoft argued that WannaCrypt illustrated the danger of government-held exploits leaking, and urged disclosure to vendors instead of stockpiling, selling, or exploiting vulnerabilities.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
