For those still using Windows XP, Microsoft has a warning for you to take caution against a new potential hack. The hack attempts to install security updates to your computer despite the fact that Microsoft no longer supports the 13-year old operating system.
In a statement to ZDNet, Microsoft detailed the threat to users:
"“We recently became aware of a hack that purportedly aims to provide security updates to Windows XP customers. The security updates that could be installed are intended for Windows Embedded and Windows Server 2003 customers and do not fully protect Windows XP customers. Windows XP customers also run a significant risk of functionality issues with their machines if they install these updates, as they are not tested against Windows XP. The best way for Windows XP customers to protect their systems is to upgrade to a more modern operating system, like Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.”"
Microsoft ended support for Windows XP back in April, and has since put its focus directly into Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. The ending of support means that the Redmond-based company will no longer be releasing bug fixes, general updates or security patches for the aged operating system.
This hack only works on 32-bit systems at the time.
This obviously isn’t good news for those still running Windows XP. This hack could lead people to have a feeling of false security. That being said, if you understand the fact that Microsoft isn’t releasing anymore updates for the OS, then you know not to install any type of “security updates” for your computer. Expect things like this to happen more and more often as hackers create more files that can attack your machines.