Alert: 27 Vulnerabilities Patched in Latest Round of Windows Updates

Microsoft's latest round of security patches resolved 27 vulnerabilities affecting Windows, Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, the Edge browser, and other software. It’s important to patch these vulnerabilities as soon as possible. If, on the other hand, you’ve already applied the latest security patches, you have little to fear.

Here is some background information on the nature of the vulnerabilities, and why Microsoft had to patch them in the first place. If you haven’t applied these patches yet, you should know what you’re exposing your systems to, and why it’s important to get them fixed.

Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, and Edge, are critically in danger of being exploited remotely through web pages or Office documents. These could allow hackers to execute malicious code and do your business harm. Read more about these patches on Microsoft’s security bulletin:

Patch for Microsoft Office: MS16-099
Patch for Internet Explorer: MS16-095
Patch for Edge: MS16-096

Even more critical vulnerabilities found to affect Windows, Microsoft Office, Skype, and Lync, have to do with the Windows Graphics Component. This could allow hackers to execute malicious code through malicious web pages or documents.

Patch for Windows, Microsoft Office, Skype, and Lync: MS16-097

In another security bulletin, Microsoft claims that a critical remote code execution flaw exists in Windows PDF Library, which is bundled with Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2. This vulnerability affected Edge in a different way from usual, and allows attackers to take advantage of malicious PDF documents hosted on a website, and trick users to loading the file within their Edge browser.

Patch for Windows PDF Library: MS16-102

Other patches that have been flagged by Microsoft as “important,” rather than “critical,” can be found below. However, it’s important to note that, even though they aren’t critical, they certainly shouldn’t be ignored.

MS16-101
MS16-100
MS16-098

If you haven’t yet updated your system with these security patches, you should reach out to SMART Services at 586 258-0650 . Our technicians will work with you to ensure that your systems are protected and patched against the myriad of threats that can be found both online and offline.

Of course, if you already have SMART Services’s remote monitoring and maintenance services, chances are that your systems have already been patched. In fact, we apply the patches for any product of Microsoft, so that you don’t have to. It’s just one way that managed IT service can help your business stay focused on what really matters.

Let Smart Services position your agency for tomorrow’s technological challenges. For 25 years, Smart Services has helped agencies across the U.S. face a changing environment by providing innovative technology solutions that allow agencies to focus on growing their business. MyAgency Cloud, our complete cloud solution, covers all your technology needs in the cloud or at your agency. In today’s competitive environment, it’s time to make your agency technology a strategic asset, instead of a liability. Let us show you how. To learn more, please call our expert agency technology advisor at 586-258-0650.