Microsoft Windows Security Vulnerability CVE-2019-0708, otherwise known as BlueKeep is the next major threat to computer systems around the world.
The BlueKeep vulnerability is present in Microsoft’s legacy operating systems such as Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Millenium, Windows XP, Server 2003 and Server 2008
Rest assured if you are running on Microsoft Windows 10, your computer is safe from this threat.
Microsoft have taken this very seriously and released security patches for operating systems back to MS Windows XP in an effort to mitigate the problem which is very unusual.
What you can do.
If your computer is still running on Windows 7 (or prior) then it is imperative that you apply the patch straight away so that your business is properly protected. You need to ensure that every single computer in your organisation is protected. We often hear business owners say that they don’t need to update ‘that old computer’, “it’s only used for skype” or “it’s only used for presentations”, however, if that computer is compromised it can be taken over and used to infect all the new computers in the office. When you understand this, the need to protect or replace ‘that old computer’ becomes obvious.
If you have MS Windows 7 you can check if you have the required security update by opening Windows Update and viewing your history. Search for the below, if it is there then you are protected.
If you don’t have it, keep running the Windows Update until you do, or you can manually download and install it via the Windows 7 Patch Download link at the end of this article.
If you are running MS Windows Vista, MS Windows XP or Server 2003/2008 then download from the below link.
Click here to get the patches from Microsoft
There may be a valid reason why you are running a legacy operating system, however threats such as this one are a very good reason to upgrade or replace your computers so that you have the latest Operating Systems and the protection that this provides.
MS Windows 7 is soon to be deprecated which means that as of January 14, 2020 the support for this product will cease and security patches will no longer be created for it. If a new vulnerability is found in Windows 7 following this date, there is no guarantee that it will ever be patched and your business will be at higher and higher risk as time goes on.
If you need assistance or advice with upgrading to MS Windows 10, replacing older computers or applying the security patches referenced here then contact us at IN2Tech.
Phone: 1300 765 911
Email: support@in2tech.com.au
References:
BlueKeep Advisory from Microsoft
BlueKeep Vulnerability Bulletin (ACSC)