The updates for older versions of Windows, including Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, need to be applied manually and can be found in the Microsoft Download Center or the Update Catalog. The company decided to release updates for all supported and unsupported versions of Windows because “applying these updates provides further protection against potential attacks with characteristics similar to WannaCrypt,” Hall wrote. Microsoft believes the vulnerabilities pose “elevated risk for destructive cyber attacks” by nation-state actors, Adrienne Hall, general manager of Microsoft’s Cyber Defense Operations Center, wrote in a blog post. It makes perfect sense, then, to worry about the possibility of widespread attacks against legacy systems when the ShadowBrokers revealed three hacking tools utilizing vulnerabilities in older versions of Windows in its cache of stolen hacking tools. Microsoft ended support for Windows XP in April 2014 and Windows Server 2003 in July 2015, but there are still over 100 million legacy Windows systems still in use around the world. Newer and more modern versions, especially operating systems, have security features that make it harder for attacks to succeed, and the fact that they are still being supported means vulnerabilities are being fixed regularly. While utilizing network based protections should not be a permanent solution, organizations must take steps to protect themselves from emerging threats.įor additional information about mapping windows XP devices at the organization, and using IPS signatures to protect Windows XP – visit Check Point’s support center – SK99057.While Microsoft releasing a patch for unsupported versions of Windows to fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by the hacking tools dumped by the ShadowBrokers helps organizations hanging onto legacy systems, it also makes the case for keep these systems around even longer.Įnterprises hanging on to old software years after it is no longer supported, regardless of the reason, gives attackers a security hole to exploit. Upgrading PCs to newer versions of Windows, using alternatives browsers and creating network based protections are all options. Check Point’s Threat Emulation prevents new unknown malware form entering the network via sandboxing technology that allows opening documents and executables within a virtual environment, including a Windows XP OS. Check Point’s IPS signatures will continue to be updated as new vulnerabilities are discovered covering Windows XP, Office 2003 and Internet Explorer 8.ī. Enforce Network Based Protections to protect from malware targeting Windows XPĬheck Point’s Threat Prevention Software Blades allow organizations to protect proactively from malware targeted Windows XP:Ī. This can be done by activating a dedicated IPS signature on any Check Point Security Gateway with the IPS software bladeĢ. Map all relevant machines in your environment, based on network activity of machines at your organization. Mapping Windows XP and Internet Explorer 8 machines in the organization Two interim solutions that are recommended by Check Point are:ġ. While Check Point strongly urges customers to follow Microsoft’s recommendation, it is sometimes necessary to have an interim solution to protect an organization until upgrades can be completed. However, updating all PCs to newer versions of software can be a difficult task for organizations and require interim solutions to protect organizations from emerging threats. Microsoft is advising users with these versions of software to update to newer versions of software to get the most up to date security protections. Without additional security updates, organizations should consider these PCs may be at risk for new vulnerabilities and malware. Starting April 8, 2014, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for Windows XP, Office 2003 and Internet Explorer 8. See how use cases come to life through Check Point's customer stories.Security Controls Gap Analysis (NIST CIST).Unified Security Events and Logs as a Service.Cloud Native Application Protection Platform.Operational Technology and Internet of Things (IoT).Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) Security Gateway.Learn hackers inside secrets and beat them at their own game View Courses.Check Point PRO Proactive monitoring of infrastructure program offerings.Support Programs Programs designed to help maximize security technology utilization.
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