Neuways was informed recently of a major security vulnerability affecting Microsoft Windows users. Known as BlueKeep, the “worm” infiltrates older versions of Windows and spreads rapidly to other unpatched devices. But due to our outstanding patch management service, we were quickly able to protect and reassure our customers.

Cyber security experts have even discovered that BlueKeep is able to gain remote control of a device within 22 seconds, with zero user interaction required.

Compared with WannaCry by cyber security experts, this exploit could compromise over one million computers currently connected to the internet. Business devices are cited as the most vulnerable, with BlueKeep able to travel through the internal network and infect unpatched devices with ease.

We moved quickly to secure our customers who are still using Windows 7, Windows XP, and Server 2003 and 2008. Applying the patches across the board, all Neuways managed service customers are now secured against this exploit.

“An event on a scale similar to that of WannaCry is not off the table.” – Leigh-Anne Galloway, Cyber Security Resilience Lead, Positive Technologies

However, we do urge those of our customers using a Windows Small Business Server 2008 to upgrade soon. Microsoft is withdrawing its support of critical updates to SBS 2008 as of January 2020, so do get in touch and we can support your migration.

In addition to receiving the latest patches, we also provide full patch management reports to our managed service customers via our customer portal. This allows our customers to get an overview of all their machines managed by Neuways, and which devices received updates.

We recently published a blog on why system updates matter, explaining the role of patches and the fallout that can occur if they are not properly applied.

For example, Equifax, a major credit reporting business, failed to apply a two-month-old patch which resulted in the leaking of 148 million individuals based in the U.S. and 15 million in the UK. The costs associated with this breach are currently around $1.4m (£1.1m).

Ultimately, patch management is an integral part of IT housekeeping – updating all of your software and hardware secures your devices against the latest cyber crime techniques.

We know how important this is. So we provide it as standard.

If you have any questions or concerns about patch management, contact us at hello@neuways.com or on 01283 753333.