14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has recently confirmed that it’s looking into reports of a new zero-day flaw in Windows XP that would allow an attack to run arbitrary code in kernel mode, so consumers still using the aging OS are again at risk.
That’s why security experts across the world are again reminding everyone to move from Windows XP to a newer platform, especially because Microsoft will soon stop providing patches and security updates for this particular operating system. Windows XP is set to be discontinued on April 8, 2014.
Graham Cluley warns that Windows XP users might be sitting on a time bomb that could explode next year when Microsoft ends support for the OS, as cybercriminals are waiting for that date to start exploiting vulnerable computers connected to the Internet.
“Accelerate your plans to switch from Windows XP to a more modern operating system as soon as possible. After April 2014, Microsoft won’t be issuing any more security fixes for the platform – so you’re potentially sitting on a time bomb,” he said.
As to how to stay protected in the case of this new zero-day vulnerability, Cluley recommends users to install the latest version of Adobe Reader, as it has been demonstrated that previous versions of the application could serve as the foundation of PDF-based attacks.
“Make sure that your installations of Adobe Reader are being kept up-to-date as, so far, that appears to be the main vector for this particular exploit,” he wrote.
At this point, Windows XP is installed on more than 30 percent of computers worldwide, which makes the recently-found zero-day flaw even more dangerous for users.
Microsoft hopes that only 13 percent of users would stay on XP after the end of support comes, as the company has launched several campaigns together with partners to encourage migration to newer OSes.