The Latest Windows Security Alert – Are You At Risk?

By 25 commentsCategory: FixMeStick Blog

Two days ago (May 14, 2019), Microsoft released a software update to fix a vulnerability in its Remote Desktop Services, or RDS, that affects millions of computers around the world. Is your computer at risk? And what can you do about it? Continue reading below to find out.

What is RDS?

RDS stands for remote desktop services, which includes the Remote Desktop Protocol that allows other computers to connect to yours. Once connected, everything on your computer screen will become available for the other computer to view and control.

If you have contacted remote technical support agents for help, you would have used this RDS program to give the person access to your computer. But what happens if the person on the other end is not a trusted tech support agent?

Affected Operating Systems

Due to the severity of this vulnerability, Microsoft has released software updates for many operating systems, including Windows XP, Windows 2003, Windows 7, and Windows 2008. Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 were not affected. You can view the full list of affected operating systems here.

According to Microsoft, this loophole can allow a stranger to connect to your computer without your knowledge and:

“install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.”

Currently, millions of computer networks use RDP to connect to the internet, leaving them vulnerable to hackers who can target them to get their personal information.

How To Protect Yourself

Due to the large scale of this threat, it can potentially mirror the WannaCry attack which shut down millions of computers last year. To protect yourself, be sure to update your Windows operating system so the security patch can be installed. You can do this by going to your “Control Panel” then selecting “System and Security‘, ‘Windows Update‘ and finally ‘Check for Updates‘.

If you are unable to download this software fix, you can also try these other fixes in the list below.

Once that’s done, don’t forget to run a FixMeStick scan to make sure your computer is 100% safe and virus-free.

Don’t have a FixMeStick? You can try it here for $9.95.

25 comments

  1. Paul Paton -

    FIXMESTICK is such a great tool in protecting your computer from assaults from virus assaults and malware…it is an integral part of my programs to keep my computer free from intruders that what to assault my computer and want to install their garbage…

    • Linda -

      Hi Paul, thank you for your positive feedback! If you require assistance using your FixMeStick in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

  2. Anonymous -

    I know it works and I’m a fan for life ! Ira Hartel

    • Linda -

      Thank you, Ira, for your support in FixMeStick!

  3. Petr Leon -

    It took 12 hours to do my Scan. My computer is faster. FixMeStick found a threat and cleaned it up. Was surprised because I have Malware and Virus protection.

    • Linda -

      Hi Petri, I’m glad to see that. FixMeStick works a little differently than antivirus programs as it scans your computer when the main system is off, so it will find hidden viruses on your computer!

  4. D J Thomas -

    The FixMeStick customer support is the BEST I have worked with in a long time!!

  5. Anonymous -

    Thanks, FIXMESTICK. You are the only one, that I am aware of, to notify me of this. I have Windows 10 but I know some people who are possibly affected. Your email was very easy for me to understand and I appreciate your notifying me.

  6. Brad Cook -

    It would be helpful to know the KB number of the update, to see if it has been installed.

    • Linda -

      Hi Brad, you can view this information on Microsoft’s website linked here.

  7. Donald Clontz -

    If I already have a Fix Me Stik, do I have to do anything. I have Windows 7. When I purchased Fix Me Stick, it was supposed to be good for a lifetime!

    • Linda -

      Hi Donald, the short answer is no. Your FixMeStick can be used on your Windows 7 computer for the Lifetime of this computer!

  8. Rusty La Violette -

    My “system does not look like any of the ones you show. It says it is a “Windows 7 Home Premium” from 2009. I am not “technical” at all and do not speak-a-the-language. I will try to find where to download updates. But I don’t even have the System and Security file you mentioned under 7. I do like the FixMeStick. IT SPEAKS THE LANGUAGE FOR ME.

    • Linda -

      Hi Rusty, thanks for being a FixMeStick customer! I’m not sure why your Windows 7 does not have a System And Security section. But you can definitely contact Microsoft support to find out! You’ll find a list of their support phone numbers linked here.

  9. Roberto Fernandes -

    I’m very disappointed with FixMeStick, It takes forever to get it going and and when I got it going ( almost a month later) ran it once on this computer and didn’t try again. On my other computer, the FixMeStick tied the computer down for 3 days. and didn’t think it was worth running it. This is the first time I have had problems with the product, I’ve used it previously and had no problem. I purchased it in February and ran it only once on the first computer.

    • Linda -

      Hi Roberto, I’m sorry to see that you were having some trouble using your FixMeStick. We’ve reached out to you by email from support@fixmestick.com. Please respond from there so we can help you troubleshoot this. Thanks!

  10. Anonymous -

    windows stopped supporting Vista, XP and 7 almost 5 years ago! i have a XP that i loved but had to replace it with a new laptop, windows 8 then upgraded from 8 to 10 when windows stop all support to these 3!

    • Linda -

      Hi there, at this time, Microsoft is still supporting Windows 8 and 10. They have not made any announcements on when they will stop updating Windows 8 and 10.

  11. Anonymous -

    Fixmestick works. My third year, computer works like new always. Excellent product and support. Get it.

  12. Anonymous -

    I purchased a fix me stix, but am having problems installing it, I have a Mac and purchased a mac fix me stix, I will try again but if I cannot get it installed can you help me with it. I love the stix have had no problems with it before, not sure why i cannot install it now. I am selling this computer so may wait till I get a new system.

    Tx Colleen

    • Linda -

      Hi Colleen, for instructions on using your FixMeStick on Mac computers, please click here. We’ve also sent you an email to better assist you.

  13. MARION BOYD -

    I read your message but I now have Windows 10.
    Therefore, my FixItStick should work fine. Right?
    Thank you

    • Keegan Anfield -

      Hi Marion,

      Yes! Even after Microsoft stops supporting Windows 7, your FixMeStick will still be compatible. You are good to go on your Windows 10 machine.

      Best,
      Keegan

  14. Anonymous -

    Microsoft shut down my email program (Windows Live mail 2009). I don’t know what to do, can get it to work. Can’t send email and receive email My phone number is 905 641 1937. Can’t communicate with you through email.
    Michael Asta

    • Linda -

      Hi Michael, to better assist you with this issue, it is best to directly contact Microsoft’s support line. You can find the best phone number to call Microsoft at this link here.

Comments are closed.