Microsoft urges Windows users to install a security update IMMEDIATELY after researchers find a serious vulnerability in the operating system that could let hackers install programs, view and delete data or even create new user accounts on your computer
- Microsoft is offering patches for the security flaw in its security update guide
- The flaw is in Windows Print Spooler, a Windows programme that runs by default
- Microsoft said that all versions of Windows are vulnerable including Windows 7
Microsoft has urged Windows users to install a security update immediately before their personal information is seriously compromised.
The tech giant found a serious vulnerability in its operating system that could let hackers install programs, view and delete data or even create new user accounts.
The vulnerability, known as PrintNightmare, is within Windows Print Spooler, a software programme that runs by default on Windows.
Windows Print Spooler helps your computer interact with the printer and manages all print jobs in your queue.
All versions of Windows are vulnerable, according to Microsoft, including its most recent major release, Windows 10.
Microsoft has offered patches for the flaw in its security update guide. The tech giant says all versions of Windows are vulnerable
Microsoft detailed the flaw in its security update guide along with guidance on how Windows users can protect their system.
‘A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Print Spooler service improperly performs privileged file operations,’ the firm says.
‘An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code with system privileges.
‘An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.’
CNN reports that researchers at cyber security company Sangfor accidentally published a how-to guide for exploiting the flaw.
It was quickly deleted by the company, but only after it was shared to websites including GitHub.
Because the flaw affects all versions of Windows, Microsoft is even offering patches for Windows 7, which it withdrew support for nearly 18 months ago.
Microsoft is even offering a patch for Windows 7, which it pulled the plug on back in January 2020
Worryingly, patches for the flaw are not yet available for Windows 10 version 1607, Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2012.
‘Security updates for these versions of Windows will be released soon,’ Microsoft said.
The vulnerability comes only a few weeks after Microsoft announced Windows 11, its next major software release.
It’s Microsoft’s first major operating system since Windows 10, released in 2015, and looks heavily inspired by one of its major software rivals, Apple.
Possibly inspired by Apple? Microsoft revealed its new Windows 11 operating system on June 24
Windows 11 is set to be released later this year and will be a free upgrade for users running Windows 10 until the middle of 2022.
Microsoft said it took inspiration from the way people connected and used computers during the coronavirus pandemic to make Windows more personal.
‘We learnt not just how functional and practical the PC needs to be, but that it also needs to be personal and feel emotional,’ said Panos Panay, chief product officer.
The firm also confirmed that Android apps will run within Windows and be available through the Amazon app store, which will be available from the start menu.
WINDOWS 11 WILL HAVE A ‘BLACK SCREEN OF DEATH’
Microsoft is swapping the blue screen of death (BSoD) for a black screen of death for Windows 11, it has emerged.
Although not officially confirmed by the tech giant, the iconic and panic-inducing warning screen has been leaked in images.
A Microsoft spokesperson told MailOnline that the company has ‘nothing further to share at this time’.
BSoD was introduced for Windows 3 back in 1990 and has since made a number of gradual changes – although it has kept the colour blue until now.
It appears when the operating system crashes and is no longer able to function.
Read more: Microsoft’s blue screen of death goes black
Source: Read Full Article
