Microsoft Releases Major Security Update: Check Your Windows Computer Today

Microsoft released its largest security update ever this month, fixing 622 vulnerabilities in Windows and other Microsoft products. Two of these flaws were being actively exploited by hackers before Microsoft could fix them. These zero-day (a newly discovered software flaw with no fix yet) vulnerabilities affected Active Directory and SharePoint Server. Additionally, a security issue with BitLocker, the encryption feature in Windows, was publicly known before the fix was released. This affects anyone using Windows computers, whether at home or work. If your computer runs Windows, or if you use Microsoft products like SharePoint at your job, these vulnerabilities could have allowed attackers to access your system or data. The two flaws that were already being exploited are particularly concerning because hackers had a head start before the fixes became available.

Here is what you need to do immediately:

1. Update your Windows computer right away. Go to Settings, then Update & Security, then Windows Update, and click Check for updates.
2. If you use a work computer, make sure your workplace IT department has installed the latest updates. Check with them if you are unsure.
3. Restart your computer after updates are installed to make sure they take effect.
4. If you use BitLocker to encrypt your hard drive, the update will be applied automatically when you update Windows. Going forward, set your Windows computer to install updates automatically. In Windows Update settings, turn on automatic updates so you get security fixes as soon as Microsoft releases them. Check for updates at least once a week if you have automatic updates turned off. These regular updates are your best defense against known security threats.