Abu Dhabi, UAE — The UAE’s Cyber Security Council has issued an urgent call for Microsoft users to update their devices immediately to protect against over 100 newly identified vulnerabilities.
In an alert issued today, the authority highlighted that Microsoft has released 139 security updates covering a range of products, including Windows, Office, .NET, Azure, and more. These updates address several critical vulnerabilities that have been actively exploited by cyber attackers.
“Ensuring your devices are updated with the latest security patches is crucial to safeguarding your data and systems,” the authority emphasized. “Some of these vulnerabilities are critical and have been actively exploited, posing significant risks to unpatched systems.”
This latest advisory follows a similar alert issued last week for Samsung users. Samsung released security updates to address vulnerabilities found in major flagship models. These updates include patches from Google’s Android Security Bulletin for July 2024, along with additional fixes from Samsung.
The council warned that these vulnerabilities could potentially allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to devices or steal sensitive data. Users of affected Samsung models are strongly advised to install the updates promptly to mitigate these risks.
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Steps to Update Microsoft Devices:
- Windows:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update and then Check for updates.
- Install any available updates.
- Office:
- Open any Office application.
- Go to File > Account.
- Under Product Information, click Update Options > Update Now.
- .NET and Azure:
- Follow the update guidelines provided by Microsoft for each specific product.
Steps to Update Samsung Devices:
- Navigate to Settings.
- Select Software update.
- Tap Download and install.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
Cyber Security Best Practices:
- Regularly check for and install software updates.
- Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unverified attachments.
- Back up important data regularly.
The UAE’s Cyber Security Council continues to monitor cyber threats and will provide updates and recommendations as necessary. Users are encouraged to stay vigilant and proactive in maintaining their cyber security.
For more information and assistance, users can visit the official websites of Microsoft and Samsung or contact their customer support services.
