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Update Microsoft Windows Now — New 2 Week Security Deadline Confirmed - Forbes

Lau Chi Fung

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Critical Security Update: CISA Demands Immediate Action for Windows 10 and 11 Users

In a recent update, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued an urgent warning to all users of Windows 10 and 11 operating systems. The agency has demanded that these users take immediate action to secure their systems against a critical vulnerability that could potentially allow hackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Understanding the Threat: CVE-2025-24990

The specific vulnerability in question is identified as CVE-2025-24990, which has been confirmed to reside in legacy code within Windows 10 and 11. This means that users who are still running these operating systems are at risk of falling prey to this exploit.

What is the Vulnerability?

CVE-2025-24990 is a zero-day vulnerability, meaning that it was not publicly disclosed until now. It allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable system, effectively giving them control over the device and access to sensitive data.

How Does it Work?

The vulnerability is thought to be caused by a bug in the Windows Operating System's handling of XML files. When an attacker sends a specially crafted XML file to a vulnerable system, the system can become compromised, allowing the attacker to execute malicious code.

Why is CISA Warning of this Vulnerability?

CISA is warning of CVE-2025-24990 because it represents a significant threat to the security and integrity of Windows 10 and 11 systems. If left unpatched, this vulnerability could be exploited by hackers to gain access to sensitive information, disrupt critical infrastructure, or even cause physical harm.

What Should You Do?

If you are using Windows 10 or 11, CISA is urging you to take immediate action to secure your system against CVE-2025-24990. Here are the steps you should follow:

Step 1: Check if Your System is Affected

To determine if your system is affected by CVE-2025-24990, check the Microsoft Security Update Service (MSS) website for updates on Windows systems.

Step 2: Apply Updates

If you find that your system requires an update to address this vulnerability, apply the patch immediately. CISA recommends applying all available security patches and updates to ensure maximum protection against this threat.

Step 3: Monitor Your System

After applying any necessary updates, monitor your system closely for any signs of suspicious activity or hacking attempts. Keep in mind that even with a patch applied, hackers may still attempt to exploit this vulnerability.

What Does This Mean for Small Business Owners?

As a small business owner using Windows 10 or 11, CVE-2025-24990 represents a significant threat to your organization's security and data integrity. Failure to address this vulnerability could result in costly downtime, reputational damage, and even financial losses.

Step 1: Prioritize System Security

To mitigate the impact of CVE-2025-24990, prioritize system security by ensuring that all employees are aware of the risks associated with this vulnerability and understand the importance of applying updates promptly.

Step 2: Implement Additional Security Measures

Consider implementing additional security measures to protect against this threat, such as:

  • Regular backups
  • Firewalls
  • Intrusion detection systems
  • Data encryption

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

While CISA's warning is serious, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from CVE-2025-24990. Here are some best practices:

Step 1: Stay Informed

Stay informed about the latest security threats and updates by regularly checking CISA's website for information on Windows systems.

Step 2: Apply Updates Promptly

Apply all available security patches and updates promptly to ensure maximum protection against this threat.

Step 3: Use Strong Passwords

Use strong, unique passwords that are difficult to guess. Consider using a password manager to help you generate and store complex passwords securely.

Conclusion

CVE-2025-24990 represents a critical vulnerability in Windows 10 and 11 systems that could potentially allow hackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. CISA is urging users to take immediate action to secure their systems against this threat. By following the steps outlined above, you can protect yourself from this vulnerability and ensure the security and integrity of your system.

Additional Resources

For more information on CVE-2025-24990 and how to address it, please refer to the following resources:

By taking proactive steps to address CVE-2025-24990, you can help ensure the security and integrity of your system.

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