Overnight, Microsoft issued a rare out-of-cycle patch for Windows systems that should be installed immediately. The vulnerability affects all versions of Windows and could have an impact similar to the 2003 Blaster Worm attack. If you’re not set to auto-update, be sure to go out and grab the update.
All of my machines do updates automatically, and the alert was present on all six of my family’s desktop machines this morning, and also on my laptop, which is running Vista. I have also informed my mother that she needs to get online this morning and accept any incoming updates. I’ll probably make sure my dad and stepmom do the same thing. Like any good geekgirl, I’m the family’s tech support, and I try to keep them safe.
Oddly enough, I was talking to one of my co-workers, who has said “no” to all installs of updates to her Vista laptop for at least six months. She doesn’t want to bother with waiting for it to download and reboot. I’m rather appalled, since she works in the IT department with me and should certainly know better.
Anyway, get those updates today if you can. It’s important. Geekgirl out.