Microsoft recommends updating Windows due to a hacker threat

Microsoft has discovered a Windows vulnerability that hackers are actively exploiting. Users who have Windows 7 and higher installed are advised to install the update, writes The Verge.

The main security bug Follina allowed attackers to gain access to Windows users ' computers via Microsoft Word. The security team has been aware of the threat since May, but for some time could not confirm the conclusions and denied them. Malicious documents use the Follina exploit to gain control of the Microsoft support diagnostic tool (MSDT) to execute commands. You can use it to install programs, create new user accounts, and delete or modify data stored on your computer. Microsoft recommends that customers install updates to be fully protected from the vulnerability. Those whose systems are configured for automatic updates do not need to do anything. Details

For the first time, the threat was documented by Proofpoint. They found that hackers linked to the Chinese government sent malicious Word documents to users from Tibet. The exploit was also used in phishing campaigns aimed at American and European government agencies.