Microsoft Releases Windows XP Security Patches for Additional Protection Against WannaCry-Like Cyber-Attacks 6g3812

Windows as part of 'Update Tuesday'. These updates are said to offer enhanced protection against cyber-attacks with characteristics similar to WannaCry. 11256i

While reviewing the security updates for June, Microsoft identified there certain vulnerabilities posed "elevated risk of cyber-attacks by government organisations, sometimes referred to as nation-state actors or other copycat organisations," Adrienne Hall, General Manager, Cyber Defense Operations Center, said in her blog post on Tuesday.

In order to address these vulnerabilities, Microsoft is providing additional security patches with the update, even to those customers who are on earlier versions of Windows. "Due to the elevated risk for destructive cyber-attacks at this time, we made the decision to take this action because applying these updates provides further protection against potential attacks with characteristics similar to WannaCrypt," Hall said. Notably, Microsoft officially ended the for Windows XP in 2014.

Microsoft says that if you are on Windows 8.1, the currently ed versions, and have Windows Update enabled, you don't need to do anything from your side. Further, the company has warned s that the "best protection" is to be on a modern up-to-date system and that "older systems, even if fully up-to-date, lack the latest security features and advancements."

WannaCry ransomware, which erupted last month, hit more than 150 countries and encrypted files on more than 200,000 computers. In order to unlock the files, the malware creators reportedly demanded a ransom of $300 (roughly Rs. 19,300) worth of Bitcoins from the s. It seems like Microsoft has now taken a more pro-active approach to the situation and decided that it should provide further protection to those s who are on uned versions as well.