Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Windows 10 users are being told to update now before hackers have a chance to take advantage of a critical flaw.
An apparent vulnerability within the Microsoft operating system could let cybercriminals take control of your PC and even delete files.
Microsoft recently addressed over 100 flaws in its latest Patch Tuesday update, 16 of these being considered critical.
Two of the major vulnerabilities were to do with Microsoft Color Management and Windows Media Foundation.
If these flaws were manipulated, hackers could view data, change files and even install programmes.
There was also a risk that hackers could create new Windows 10 accounts on the PCs of victims.
Regarding the Microsoft Color Management flaw, the Windows 10 creators said: “In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit the vulnerability and then convince users to view the website.
“An attacker would have no way to force users to view the attacker-controlled content.
“Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to take action, typically by getting them to click a link in an email or Instant Messenger message that takes users to the attacker’s website, or by opening an attachment sent through email.”
Commenting on the Windows Media Foundation flaw, the tech giant said: “There are multiple ways an attacker could exploit the vulnerability, such as by convincing a user to open a specially crafted document, or by convincing a user to visit a malicious webpage.”
Patch Tuesday refers to when Microsoft releases software patches for its products.
It is supposed to occur each month.
Microsoft’s recent Patch Tuesday release also addressed flaws with Internet Explorer, EdgeHTML, Chakra Core and SharePoint.
The SharePoint issues could also let hackers read and delete information from your PC.
Fortunately, none of the vulnerabilities that Microsoft picked up on are known to be under any active attacks.
If you’re a Windows 10 users most updates should download automatically but to be on the safe side you can follow the steps below.
How to update Windows 10?
To make sure your Windows 10 is update you first need to click on the Start button in the bottom left corner.
The click on Settings and then the Updates and Security icon.
Here you should be able to select Windows Update.
You’ll then be given the option to check for updates and if there is one available it should download automatically.
Source: The Sun
Share this content:
