Hackers often use malicious documents or pirated software as a means of getting their malware onto vulnerable devices, but a new Windows bug could allow them to do so over Wi-Fi.
As he stated Forbesthis new Wi-Fi vulnerability (tracked as CVE-2024-30078) affects all versions of Windows and, if exploited, can be used by an attacker to infect vulnerable computers with malware.
The bug itself has a CVSS score of 8.8 out of 10, and what makes it particularly dangerous is the fact that an attacker does not need physical access to the target system. However, they must be on the same Wi-Fi network to use it.
Here’s everything you need to know about this critical new bug, along with some tips on how to protect your own Windows PC or laptop from hackers.
Public Wi-Fi is becoming an even bigger threat
In an update wizard Microsoft confirmed on its website that there are no special requirements to exploit this flaw, except that the hacker is close to the target and on the same Wi-Fi network. They also don’t need to be authenticated or need access to any settings or files on the victim’s computer.
To make matters worse, exploiting this new Wi-Fi flaw requires no interaction at all from the potential victim. This means that users don’t have to click on the va link phishing email or until download a malicious attachment to make it work.
For those who work from home or in the office, this type of vulnerability is much less of a concern. However, if you frequently use any of the best windows laptops in public—say, in a coffee shop or at an airport—then you would be more likely to fall victim to an attack exploiting this flaw.
Although often free, public Wi-Fi it presents its own dangers, even without a bug like this potentially being used in cyber attacks. This is why I highly recommend using one of the the best VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. If you haven’t signed up for one yet or downloaded its client before your big trip, then you’ll want to avoid logging into sensitive sites on your laptop, like your online banking account, when you’re connected to public Wi-Fi. . Instead, you should use your phone and your own mobile data plan.
The good news is that Microsoft considers exploitation of this vulnerability “less likely.” Now that news of this bug is out in the open, enterprising hackers could try to develop an exploit for it. The other good news is that Microsoft has already patched this bug along with 48 other vulnerabilities within its Correction Tuesday June 2024 update.
How to protect your Windows PC from malware
As with your smartphone, the easiest and simplest way to avoid falling victim to malware on your Windows PC is to keep your PC updated and using the latest software. Microsoft releases new security updates every second Tuesday of the month, and you can use this timeline to determine when to update your PC or laptop.
From there you should take care of it Windows Defender is enabled on your computer. This free antivirus software from Microsoft has really improved over the years and now does a great job of catching the latest threats before they can harm your computer. However, for even more protection, you should consider registering with one of them best antivirus software solution. Paid antivirus software is usually updated more regularly, plus you often get access to a VPN, password manager and other add-ons to help you stay safe online.
New vulnerabilities like the one described above appear quite often, but if you stay on top of things and update your computer regularly, your device and your data should be safe from attacks that exploit them.