Using Windows 10? Microsoft Urging Individuals to Update After Security Vulnerability Found

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Now that Microsoft has ended support for Windows 7, many people have made the decision to move onto Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 10. However, Windows users are not fully in the clear just yet – The US National Security Agency (NSA) has recently discovered a critical bug in the operating system, to which Microsoft has since released a patch to fix.

What Exactly is this Bug?

The vulnerability, known as CVE-2020-0601, essentially allows attackers to use false security credentials to install malware under the pretense of it being legit software. The vulnerability can be found in Windows CryptoAPI (Crypt32.dll), and experts state that the vulnerability could be exploited on a greater level, even going as far as to affect entire networks.

What You Can Do To Fix It

While the NSA states that “sophisticated cyber actors will understand the underlying flaw very quickly”, attackers are likely to target larger networks while they have the chance, rather than random individuals. With that being said, neither the NSA nor Microsoft are giving many details surrounding the vulnerability – they are simply insisting that anyone running Windows 10, Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2019, should immediately download the patch. 

Installing the Updates

Recently, a number of users report that despite several attempts, the update fails to go through. For such a serious bug, this isn’t the best news. In any case, there are a couple ways you can try to get around this. 

A good place to start is by clicking the Start button and navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.This is the classic way of installing the update, but it’s also where most users have reported issues.

If you’re running into problems installing it through your Start menu, Microsoft recommends doing the update manually, which you can do by going to the Microsoft Update Catalog website, entering  “KB4528760” in the search bar, and then clicking ‘Download’ next to the version that’s suitable for your PC

Regardless of whether you’re using Windows 10 or not, this is a good opportunity to catch up on any updates your computer needs. Companies are constantly releasing updates, not just to annoy you, but instead to patch up any flaws or errors that appear in their software. 

If you need to brush up on your internet safety knowledge, here’s a brief article on why updates are so important for being safe on the web.

59 comments

  3. John -

    On Windows 10 home addition it is an optional update but on Windiws 10 Professional it was not an optional uodate.

  4. Charles Yanney -

    Hello: I recently upgraded to Windows 10 Professional. I ran my Fix Me Stick last weekend for the first time since upgrading and to my surprise it captured Nine (9) viruses. I’m wondering if this was due to the problem your talking about? I deleted them all and going right now to download that patch from Microsoft.
    Thanks for all your help.

  6. Charlotte -

    Thank you-I will try this
    As months ago I updated windows 10 and a lot of my files are corrupt now and I can’t open them- I thought fix me stix would fix this but didn’t
    Appreciate all information

  7. Dorothy Burdge -

    I’m not too computer savvy. I followed instructions above for setting and windows updates. It displays kb4528760 status: installing 100% and now 12%. Is this a multi install? Should I leave computer on? Will I get a complete when finished?

  8. Anne Burns -

    Would like to buy another fixmestick. Please advise.
    Anne Burns

  10. Beverley Smith -

    Thank you for letting me know! I tried to download on settings, but it just got to 100 per cent and started over again. So I tried the catalog, but I’m met with a whole string of versions and I have absolutely no idea which one to pick. According to the settings download I tried, I have version 1909, and I have a 64 bit computer, but other than that, don’t know which one to pick.

  11. Anonymous -

    Since I have updated to Windows 10 my cell phone keeps freezing up.
    What is causing this?
    Karen

  13. Judy Human -

    Thanks for the update lesson. I followed your instructions for the standard procedure to update windows and got the message that I am updated as of about 230 this afternoon. That is about the time I ran my Fixmestick.

  16. Allen Strickrott -

    I just sent you an email about this. Please ignore it.

  17. Johnny -

    Have not yet got window 10 I still have window 7 I know that Microsoft is not supported w 7 any more but it still works.

  22. Anonymous -

    thanks I have noooooo clue!!!
    and if I have a problem.
    this will be my last windows op sysm…

    never used google but after all these years of running windows
    I guess I can go over to the dark side. i’m tire of windows ending
    my pc life with a new and better thing .I have two pcs I can’t use any more.
    so you do it to me one more time and it will be google here I come.
    bjb… wm j Byron bbinmanalapan@optimum.net …..

  24. Dr. George Herkert -

    I’ve come across several websites reporting to be Microsoft and offering free downloads of types of security or computer performance enhancement ! I’m always concerned that this might not really be Microsoft and therefore some kind of malware ! I got scammed and burnt once, buy a voice coming through my computer saying that my system had been breached by some BUG and to call the number on the screen now showing a warning not to move from this site or turn my computer off.. well I got screwed they invaded my system. I spoke to different people from that site you said they could fix it if I bought there protection program for a hundred bucks.. eventually I caught on and when I started using the computer again realized that they actually didn’t create any changes.. show my quandary is how do I know and I’m looking at a real valid Microsoft offer and not another scam.. please reply.. Thank You…. Regards Dr. Herkert

  25. Anonymous -

    My new HP was just infected with a huge bug that completely took over my operating system. They posed as Microsoft, contacting me to try and get me to buy their security for 500.00. they were very convincing but as soon as they asked for money I realized they were a fraud for sure. I bought a fixmestick from QVC and it had my laptop functioning and the virus is gone. just thought it would not hurt to tell you.

  27. Anonymous -

    Thank you for the information you keep everyone informed. I so appreciate this…Thanks. Susan M?
    Also I had one virus when I ran the fix it stix..Does it get Quarantined
    sueandlarry@windstream.net

  31. Anonymous -

    How do I update my FixMeStick. I have had my MacAir taken over twice – once it locked up and said Microsoft had been compromised and for me to not turn off my computer but to call a phone number they gave. Then just a few minutes ago the same thing happened but this time it said Apple was compromised and all my data was at risk.. Both times I could not use my mouse to navigate. I am running my FixMeStick right now on my laptop.

  33. Keegan Anfield -

    We recommend running FixMeStick every couple weeks. FixMeStick will only help after you get a virus. It’s always best to try and prevent viruses in the first place so that’s why we’d recommend making sure your operating system is up-to-date so you have the latest security patches.

  35. Keegan Anfield -

    Yes, if FixMeStick found a virus it will remove it and quarantine it so you can’t do anything to your computer.

  36. Keegan Anfield -

    Yes! Looks like they’re each for the lifetime of 2 computers. You’re good to go.

  39. Keegan Anfield -

    The best way to check for updates from Microsoft is by clicking the Start button and navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. This is the classic way of installing the update and you’ll know it’s legitimate.

  40. Keegan Anfield -

    You can update your OS by clicking the Start button and navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

  42. Keegan Anfield -

    Hey Byron, if you have old computers that are no longer supported by Microsoft you may want to consider the StartMeStick. It is our other products specifically designed to restore old computers that are no long supported. Check it out here: http://www.StartMeStick.com

  46. Keegan Anfield -

    Your FixMeStick will automatically update as long as you have an active subscription. If you want us to look into that for you just send us the serial number from the side of your FixMeStick.

  47. Keegan Anfield -

    That seems strange. The two shouldn’t be connected. I would reach out to the phone company and see if they can help you!

  49. Keegan Anfield -

    Hi Ken, these updates are specific to Windows so separate from FixMeStick. You can also run a FixMeStick scan to make sure you’re computer is clean.

  50. Keegan Anfield -

    Hi Charles, it’s hard to say. It could be, or you could have gone to a weird site or accidentally clicked a strange email. Glad to hear you’re good to go now!

  51. Keegan Anfield -

    Hi Charlotte, unfortunately if the issue is do to a Microsoft issue FixMeStick won’t solve it. The FixMeStick can only solve virus related issues.

  53. Keegan Anfield -

    Hi Anne, you can get another FixMeStick here: app.fixmestick.com/store.

  56. Jennie -

    I have a FixMeStick for 3 PC’s with lifetime updates, but just switched over to a MAC. Can I use the fixmestick I currently have on the MAC?

  57. Willie Woodall -

    I have a Windows 10. I update as needed. I don’t use my computer too often, so when the Norton sign is red, I update. Then sometimes run Fix me Stick. I’ve not had a virus found by Fix me Stick in the 2 or 3 yrs. I’ve had it. I will run Fix me Stick every 2 wks. now after reading the about this new Bug. I’m interested also in obtaining a VPN you offered last year. Is it still available?

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