
Developing a software release is often an arduous process, and the millions of lines of code written can become vulnerable to exploitation. Hackers are ever-present in looking for ways to access systems through exploitable faults hidden within the vast expanse of released programming.
As soon as one vulnerability is squashed, another pops up. It’s like a wild game of digital whack-a-mole – with developers feverishly patching and updating in an effort to keep hackers at bay!
IT management firms strive to stay ahead of the curve in recognizing new vulnerabilities, ensuring they know which software and operating systems are at risk so their clients can be prepared.
In the first quarter of 2022, 82% of cyberattacks in America were due to vulnerabilities that could have been patched – an all-too-common issue with global consequences. Keeping systems up-to-date is key; fortunately, patch and update management gives us a strong line of defense against malicious attempts on our networks.
With cyber threats on the rise and new vulnerabilities arising, CISA recently issued a warning about potential security issues in products from leading tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, Adobe and more – all of which must be taken seriously. Let’s take a closer look at these alarming developments so we can properly protect our systems today!
Keep your systems secure by patching any security holes
In 2021, Microsoft has been facing numerous security challenges
Microsoft’s long-standing Internet Explorer (IE) had finally come to an end in June 2022. Still, it is important to remember that IE can be a security risk with its various vulnerabilities; thus if computers are still running this program users should make sure they remove and replace the software as soon as possible.
Vulnerabilities in software can be detected quickly by using the well-known CVE protocol – Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures. This industry standard is sure to give a comprehensive view into exposed weaknesses found within our systems’ code.
Here is a rundown of these vulnerabilities and what a hacker can do:
CVE-2012-4969: A critical security loophole in Internet Explorer has been uncovered, potentially allowing malicious hackers to gain access to vulnerable sites and transform them into phishing hotspots. With the release of code on websites, unsuspecting victims could be putting their data at risk if they unknowingly interact with these hacker-manufactured mines for personal information.
CVE-2013-1331: A vulnerability in Microsoft Office 2003 and 2011 for Mac has been uncovered, with hackers able to remotely launch damaging attacks. This exploits a buffer overflow glitch which can enable malicious code to be run – leaving users’ systems open to attack.
CVE-2012-0151:Attackers can use a malicious file attachment from an unsuspecting user to launch remote code execution on Windows systems. The vulnerable function is known as the Authenticode Signature Verification, and users must be used in order for this type of attack to succeed.
Google’s software is not infallible
Google Chrome and various apps powered by the mighty Chromium V8 Engine are vulnerable to multiple security threats – a list of which must be kept an eye on.
CVE-2016-1646 & CVE-2016-518: Attackers can take remote control of sites, overwhelming them with massive amounts of traffic until they crash – the ultimate “denial-of-service” attack.
Those aren’t the only two code flaws that allow hackers to crash sites this way. Two others, CVE-2018-17463 and CVE-2017-5070 Users of both can take advantage of patches to seal security loopholes, ensuring their data stays safe from prying eyes.
Adobe users beware
Adobe Acrobat Reader is a powerful tool used by many to easily share documents across different platforms and operating systems. However, its widespread popularity has made it vulnerable to potential security threats, making sure that users take extra precautions when sharing information online.
CVE-2009-4324: Hackers can gain access to your computer by using a malicious PDF file, so you should always be cautious when opening any attachments from unknown sources. Acrobat Reader’s vulnerability makes it especially dangerous – don’t let an unfamiliar email put your security at risk!
CVE-2010-1297: The retired Adobe Flash Player is no longer being supported, leaving users vulnerable to malicious remote execution and denial of service attacks. To protect yourself from security threats, it’s important to uninstall this software from all your PCs and websites as soon as possible. Don’t be caught by surprise – stay ahead of the danger!
Netgear Vulnerability
Netgear is a leader in the world of wireless routers, but they also offer other internet-connected devices that aren’t as secure. Recent vulnerabilities have exposed users to potential problems with these products, putting their data and privacy at risk.
CVE-2017-6862: A dangerous vulnerability in a variety of Netgear products is giving hackers free reign, allowing them to execute code without needing any credentials. This presents an alarming security risk that must be addressed immediately.
With increasing dependence on connected technology
CVE-2019-15271: A hacker can gain full control of a Cisco RV series router via its buffer overflow process, giving them potentially unrestrained power – the ability to take any action and unleash code as desired..
Keep your software on the cutting edge
Stay ahead of the game and make sure your tech is always working at its best – patch & update regularly to keep everything running smoothly!
Keeping your network safe from malicious vulnerabilities can seem like a daunting task. But, by staying proactive and working with an IT professional to patch, update and manage devices regularly, you’ll be able to avoid any potential harm lurking in the shadows of your system.
Give your cybersecurity the boost it needs
We offer a variety of automated solutions to enhance your cybersecurity. Discover what else we can do for you – Contact us today for a free consultation!
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