While reports are still quite secretive, it seems that a Windows 10 vulnerability caused a near-panic within the cybersecurity world. Quickly downloading the critical update will help protect your devices.
As the platform with the largest install base in the world at over 800 million devices, it has recently come to light that Windows 10 is extraordinarily vulnerable to a specific cybersecurity issue. While Microsoft regularly releases patches for its ubiquitous system, this particular release is one that has been a priority for business professionals and home office Windows users alike due to the potential risk involved in not quickly applying the patch. While much of the chatter in the cybersecurity world has been around Windows 10, it's important to note that Windows 7 and Windows 8 are also vulnerable to this same cryptographic component and will need to be quickly upgraded. Technology professionals always recommend leaving automatic updates turned on so these patches are applied as soon as they are available, but this is one update that you should take the time to manually confirm that it has been installed.
This is how one leading investigative reporter defined the current issue, which seems to be backed up with the ultra-secret U.S. National Security Agency's (NSA) news media call in mid-January. Addressing this NSA security vulnerability is something that causes IT professionals throughout the world to sit up and take notice, particularly key journalists. According to investigative reporter Brian Krebs, "Microsoft is slated to release a software update on Tuesday to fix an extraordinarily serious security vulnerability in a core cryptographic component present in all versions of Windows". Sources noted that the particular issue is with the CryptoAPI that allows developers to secure applications that are based on Windows 10 and other versions of Windows. With access to this information, hackers could potentially bypass authentication of digital certificates -- passing off fraudulent websites that are potential security threats as a trusted site.
Microsoft took some additional measures that seemed to back up the grist moving through the rumor mill by doing something that it rarely does: shipping updates to particular locations such as large corporations and the U.S. military before they were available to the general public. Microsoft has since confirmed the vulnerability, noting that a successful exploit could allow confidential information and user details to be decrypted by malicious sources.
If you were working with the LI Tech Advisors team, you could be confident that you are fully protected from this particular Windows 10 vulnerability and other key cybersecurity risks. The team of security experts at LI Tech Advisors actively research current and coming dangers and are continually looking for ways to reduce vulnerabilities and improve your cybersecurity posture. Contact our professionals at 631-203-6403 to see why Long Island area businesses have trusted LI Tech with their IT support for more than 30 years. You can always fill out our quick online form to schedule your free initial consultation or to learn more about the various technical services offered by our team of qualified professionals.
Anthony has been in the MSP business since before the acronym existed. Managed IT once started as break-fix solutions and some light phone support.
Since then, he has seen the industry flourish into a landscape of platforms, cloud servers, software tools and AI . Tailoring network configurations and software stacks to the specific needs of each business.
In his current role, he focuses on proactive planning, ensuring clients can avoid potential issues altogether. This involves meticulous planning for enhanced business continuity, allowing swift resolution of any unforeseen challenges. What initially began as addressing "fires" through break-fix solutions has evolved into a proactive approach, ensuring that such issues are prevented from arising in the first place.
