URGENT UPDATE!
Microsoft is urging Windows users to immediately install an update after security researchers found a serious vulnerability in the operating system.
The security flaw, known as PrintNightmare, affects the Windows Print Spooler service. Researchers at cybersecurity company Sangfor accidentally published a how-to guide for exploiting it.
Microsoft (MSFT) warned that hackers that exploit the vulnerability could install programs, view and delete data or even create new user accounts with full user rights. That gives hackers enough command and control of your PC to do some serious damage.
Please update your PC as soon as possible to limit your exposure to this serious vulnerability.
NOTE: If you have Automatic Updates turned on, you will most likely already have this update installed. Here’s how to tell and what to do if it’s not installed.
1. Go to Settings > Windows Update. If you have ANY updates waiting, install them.
2. After any waiting updates are installed, go to “Update History” and look for “2021-07 Cumulative Update……(KB5004945). If this update is listed, your computer is protected from this vulnerability.
3. After installing all waiting updates and checking for the above specific update and find it’s not listed, run “Windows Update” to see if it downloads and installs the above update.
4. If you still do not have “2021-07 Cumulative Update……(KB5004945)” installed, be patient, as it will eventually be downloaded and installed.
Windows 7 users.
Microsoft has added an update for this vulnerability to Windows 7, even though they don’t typically update operating system versions that are past their End-of-Life date. If you still use Windows 7, check for this update.