Update your Windows PC to avoid a serious Wi-Fi vulnerability

If you’ve been putting off your next Windows update, now is the time to install it. Last week, Microsoft patched a rather nasty vulnerability in Windows 11 and 10 that could put your PC at risk when connected to a public Wi-Fi network, as detected previously by The register.

The vulnerability (CVE-2024-30078) could allow hackers to deploy a malicious package to devices connected to the same Wi-Fi networks in locations such as airports, coffee shops, hotels, or even workplaces. From there, hackers can remotely execute commands and gain access to a system – all without any user interaction or authentication. Microsoft released a security update for affected versions of Windows on June 11.

Microsoft labeled the vulnerability as “important,” which is a concern for the company second largest severity rating for security vulnerabilities. Even if you don’t plan on taking your laptop to the coffee shop anytime soon, you shouldn’t delay this patch.