Microsoft implore enterprises to patch Windows

The warnings refer to vulnerabilities in Windows’ Remote Desktop Services that could be exploited by attackers; patches have been available since May 14.

The U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) on Tuesday called on IT administrators to apply security updates issued by Microsoft three weeks ago, adding to a chorus of voices urging haste.

“The National Security Agency is urging Microsoft Windows administrators and users to ensure they are using a patched and updated system in the face of growing threats,” the NSA said in a June 4 advisory.

The agency’s advice followed by several days that of Microsoft itself. On Thursday, May 30, a company official reminded users of the updates – which the company released May 14 – and implied that time is short. “We strongly advise that all affected systems should be updated as soon as possible,” Simon Pope, the director of incident response at the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC), wrote in a blog post.