Lately, Microsoft has confirmed a partially unpatched security bug in Windows – CVE-2021-34484 that lets hackers gain system privileges under certain conditions. The zero-day flaw holds the potential to breach all versions of Windows, especially Windows 11, Windows 10 & Windows Server 2022, and allow hackers to gain access to your entire system.
According to an official statement by the tech giant, “The vulnerability has been known for quite a long time. The company tried to patch the bug when first detected in August, but the fix used in the first place, was found to be flawed and the bug remained unpatched till November. The company has subsequently promised to take appropriate action to keep its users protected.”
It’s been two weeks now, but unfortunately, no fix has been circulated yet!
What Windows Users Can Do To Protect Themselves?
While the tech giant is still working on the security patch to address this dangerous zero-day flaw, third-party researchers & rescuers to big security holes – 0patch Micropatching Service has released a free unofficial patch to block attacks via CVE-2021-34484.
The micro patches for this bug will be available for free of cost until the tech giant releases an official fix. Till then, users can easily apply the patch on the following Windows versions:
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To fix the security hole with this micro patch, all you need to do is:
STEP 1: First of all, you need to get yourself registered with an 0patch account. You can click here to get started!
STEP 2: Next, you need to install the 0patch agent on your device. It’s available for free of cost. You can check out the User Manual (right here) to get a brief idea about understanding 0patch Agent.
STEP 3: As soon as you launch the 0patch Agent, the micro patch will be applied automatically. You don’t even need to reboot the device to get it implemented.
Watch the video shared below to know how 0patch micro patches the vulnerability CVE-2021-34484, after it has been incompletely fixed by the latest Windows Update.
Additional Tips: How Do I Make Windows More Secure?
Well, keeping your computer secure will help users to avoid potential malware attacks and direct hijacking attempts to steal personal data. At WeTheGeek, we recommend our readers implement the following tips to secure your Windows PC:
1.Use A Firewall
Windows already comes pre-installed with a dedicated Firewall to get protection against cyber attackers and prevent malicious programs from accessing your PC or network. Alternatively, you can take help from third-party Windows Firewall Programs to get an additional shield!
2.Keep All Windows Programs Up-To-Date
Ensure that you keep your device and all the installed software completely up-to-date. You should consider turning on automatic updates in Windows and for non-Microsoft software as well. For this, you can take the help of a dedicated Software Updater Tool to safely download the latest upgrades of the Windows tools.
3.Run A Reliable Antivirus Software
Well, to be honest, running Windows Defender (the built-in security feature) is certainly not enough to fight against sophisticated viruses and malicious content that are surfacing these days. You should conduct thorough research and shield your computer with additional Internet Security Software like Systweak Antivirus, AVG Ultimate, Norton Security Standard, Kaspersky Total Security, Bitdefender Internet Security, and so on.
4.Regularly Change Your Passwords & Keep It Unique
It is important to change your passwords frequently – to limit breaches to multiple accounts, prevent access gained by keystroke loggers, and reduce the risk of constant access. You can follow our complete guide on How To Create Strong Passwords & Remember It?
5.Use Safe Browsers
We recommend users follow comprehensive digital hygiene and avoid visiting websites that offer illicit content. These sites are specifically designed to install malware & viruses on the user’s device. You can go through our list of Most Secure Web Browsers for Windows and enjoy the best protection while surfing on the Internet.
Well, before we wrap up today’s article, let’s keep our hopes high that Microsoft will soon release an effective patch to block unauthorized access caused due to the zero-day flaw – CVE-2021-34484. Until then, we recommend all Windows users act vigilantly and follow all the necessary security measures to stay safe online and offline!
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