The Government Plenipotentiary for Cyber Security has issued an urgent message on the Microsoft Outlook security vulnerability – how to protect yourself from the threat

Gov.pl has issued an urgent announcement regarding a security vulnerability in the popular mail tool, Microsoft Outlook on Windows. This vulnerability allows a user’s account to be taken over remotely without his or her knowledge, which can lead to the disclosure of passwords and access to the organization’s other services.

The vulnerability has been exploited in attacks since April 2022, including in Poland, by a group linked to the Russian government. As a result, system administrators are urged to take immediate action to secure their organizations.

In practice, this means that if you are using Microsoft Outlook on Windows, your account could be at risk. To guard against this, administrators should update the application according to Microsoft’s instructions and use additional security measures such as strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Individual users, on the other hand, should take care of their security by changing passwords to stronger ones and using two-factor authentication where possible.

Recommendations for system administrators and individual users

Organizations can take advantage of tools and recommendations provided by Microsoft and CERT Poland teams. Reviewing these recommendations will provide a better understanding of threats and how to protect against them. It is also worthwhile to conduct regular cyber security training for employees to make them aware of potential threats and teach them how to recognize suspicious messages or attempted attacks. Working with relevant CSIRT teams can also help identify and respond to potential cybersecurity incidents.

Individual users should regularly update their software and operating systems, and install appropriate antivirus and firewall software. In addition, it’s a good idea to use only trusted sources when downloading apps or other files to avoid potential threats.

To minimize the risk of the Microsoft Outlook security vulnerability, a number of steps should be taken, both at the administrator and individual user levels. These steps include updating software, using strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and using the Internet and technology consciously.

Consequences for Microsoft – reliability at stake

Imagine that Microsoft is a company that manages a giant bridge connecting two banks of a river. Millions of people use this bridge to cross to the other side every day. But one day, someone discovers that one of the bridge’s beams is damaged and threatening to collapse. This could damage the company’s reputation and make people wonder if it is safe to cross it.

In the situation with Microsoft and the Outlook security vulnerability, there is a similar risk of losing customer trust. People may start to wonder if it is safe to use Microsoft products.

In the world of technology, competition is always just around the corner. If Microsoft doesn’t know how to effectively manage the security crises of its products, competitors may use these problems to their advantage, encouraging customers to use their services instead of Microsoft’s products.

Countering email threats

Negative information can be turned into positive (as the editors of the ITH Blog decided to do), mentioning in passing the importance of recognizing email address risks. All you need to do is stick to a few procedures:

• Check the sender ‘s email address – pay attention to the sender’s email address. If it looks suspicious, such as containing typos or strange characters, it may be a phishing attempt.
• Beware of unusual requests – If the message asks for sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, be cautious.
• Check links – Avoid clicking on links contained in suspicious e-mails. Instead, verify that the site exists by typing its address into your browser.
• Be careful with attachments – Do not open attachments from unknown senders.

In addition to recognizing phishing attempts, there are other steps you can take to protect yourself from email threats:

• Use spam filters – most email services offer built-in spam filters to help block unwanted messages. Make sure these filters are enabled and configured according to your needs.
• Keep your software up to date – regular updates to software such as your mail client and browser help ensure that you are protected from new threats and security vulnerabilities.
• Use antivirus software – install and regularly update antivirus software that protects your computer from malware.

Following these recommendations will help to avoid email risks, which in turn will help to increase the overall level of safety in using the Internet.

How does ITH keep its customers safe?

As a reputable ISP, ITH not only offers a fast and reliable Internet connection, but also cares about the security of its customers.The company invests in advanced technologies and works with cyber security experts to ensure its customers are protected from online threats:

1. Protection against DDoS attacks – ITH monitors traffic on its network to detect and block DDoS attacks that can overload and crash systems.
2. Content Filter ing – The provider offers optional content filtering tools that allow parents and network administrators to control access to potentially harmful sites or content.
3. Phishing and spam protection – ITH has partnered with top phishing and spam protection companies to protect its customers’ email from unwanted messages and phishing attempts.
4. Technical support and consulting – The ISP offers technical support and cyber security consulting to help customers troubleshoot problems and implement appropriate security measures.

Choosing ITH as an ISP brings a number of benefits that translate into greater online security for users. These include the assurance that the provider cares about protecting the privacy and security of its customers, access to advanced technology and security tools, expert support and advice on cyber security, and the ability to customize security settings to meet individual user needs and preferences.