Digital Marketing & Creative20 May 20191 min read

Update Windows platforms to protect yourself from a security threat

Microsoft has released a software update to fix a security flaw in some older versions of Windows. For instance: Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2.

SCSophie ChenCSPRO insights
computer support professionals

Microsoft has released a software update to fix a security flaw in some older versions of Windows. For instance: Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2. The update addresses a vulnerability that attackers may use to gain unauthorised access or to perform other malicious activity.

Does it affect me?

If you are also using an older version of Windows. For instance: Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Server 2008 or 2008 R2, you could be affected.

You have Windows 8 or 10. Microsoft advises you are not affected by this vulnerability.

To find out which Windows operating system you’re using, check the Microsoft website.

To find out which Windows operating system you’re also using, check the Microsoft website.

How do I stay safe?

To protect yourself, you should install the software update to older versions of Windows as soon as possible. Microsoft has issued customer guidance on how to update older Microsoft operating systems.

Why is using current update software important?

Microsoft will also not provide official security updates or fixes to Windows 7 after 14 January 2020. You should consider upgrading to Windows 8 or 10 in the near future.

For more information, please visit: www.staysmartonline.gov.au

TaggedCybersecurity update services AustraliaIT security patching servicesMicrosoft Windows update support

Frequently asked questions

In May 2019, Microsoft released an update to fix a security flaw in older versions of Windows, including Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2. Attackers could use the vulnerability to gain unauthorised access or carry out other malicious activity. Microsoft said Windows 8 and Windows 10 were not affected.

Install the update as soon as possible, following the customer guidance Microsoft publishes for updating older operating systems. Security fixes close vulnerabilities that attackers can use to gain unauthorised access, so delaying them leaves the computer exposed.

Microsoft stopped providing official security updates and fixes for Windows 7 after 14 January 2020. Computers still running Windows 7 after that date no longer receive fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities, which is why users were advised to move to a newer, supported version of Windows.

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