Ransomware threat to Microsoft Windows users

2230

The US National Security Agency has warned all Windows PC users to make sure that their operating systems are well updated. Or else, the older versions of the programs will become super-vulnerable to malware says the law enforcement agency renowned across the globe.

Last week, Microsoft also issued a security warning that all older versions of Windows operating systems like 7, 8 and Vista are vulnerable to a “BlueKeep” exploit which might be exploited by the hackers.

On a technical note, BlueKeep is a flaw that makes computer PCs vulnerable to attacks via phishing emails or automated downloads.

NSA and Microsoft have jointly discovered that the flaw might also lead to the quick install of ransomware, encrypting files until a ransom is paid to hackers.

The American tech giant says that keeping all the systems running on Win 7 or earlier versions is the only way to protect computer users from the possible cyber attacks.

Recently, the news was out that the ransomware attack which took place on the systems of Baltimore knocking down municipal services as a result of an EternalBlue flaw discovered by NSA and now leaked to state-funded hackers.

Microsoft has issued a statement last week that attacks such as the one observed on Baltimore might repeat or multiple if Microsoft system users fail to update their PCs from now on.

The tech giant says that all updated systems will have the ability to protect themselves from the latest BlueKeep vulnerability as soon as they receive the latest update.

Ad
Naveen Goud is a writer at Cybersecurity Insiders covering topics such as Mergers & Acquisitions, Startups, Cyber Attacks, Cloud Security and Mobile Security

No posts to display