Do you have a Windows computer? If so, you should check Windows Update now.
A flaw in Windows was patched back in March but many users still haven’t installed this crucial update. Experts warn that hackers are still exploiting unpatched machines. This can spread to machines on a shared network Be sure every Windows computer connected to your network is updated.
Some of the names for this exploit are Eternal Darkness and SMBGhost. Whatever you call it, it has the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), an agency under Homeland Security, worried.
It’s not just federal experts. PCGamer said, “Eternal Darkness flaw in Windows 10 sounds scary as hell, best to patch it now.”
What’s the big deal?
CISA warns malicious cyber actors are targeting unpatched systems. The flaw has to do with a network file sharing protocol. The protocol lets computers on a network share printers, files and resources. When it’s corrupted it grants access to cybercriminals.
To protect your system, open the Start menu. Go to “Settings,” then “Update and Security”. Open “Windows Update” and click “Check for Updates.” When the update appears, click download and install.
The update has been slow to roll out, but you should have access to the May update now or in coming weeks. Keep checking.
To see Microsoft’s details about the update visit: https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2020/05/27/whats-new-in-the-windows-10-may-2020-update/ .
This time-sensitive cybersecurity column was pushed ahead of schedule. Next week’s column will be about how to tell if your information was stolen in a data breach.