A troubling security flaw in all versions of Windows, including the unstoppably popular Windows 10 and Windows 11, can enable hackers to infect your desktop PC or laptop over Wi-Fi.
Scam artists would typically have to trick PC owners into opening malicious documents sent as email attachments, downloading infected software, or clicking fraudulent advertisements on popular sites. What makes this new vulnerability so scary is that hackers can push malware via a wireless internet connection.
Hackers don’t need physical access to your machine, but they will need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. As such, this flaw is unlikely to affect PC owners in their own homes — but could be devastating when connected to Wi-Fi in airports, coffee shops, schools, hospitals, and more.
Microsoft has branded this concerning Wi-Fi vulnerability with the tracking number CVE-2024-30078. It impacts all versions of the Windows operating system, according to a report from Forbes.
Details about the CVE-2024-30078 have been published on the Microsoft website. The only requirement for hackers to take advantage of this flaw is a connection to the same Wi-Fi network. There’s no need to be authenticated, or already have access to specific settings or files from the target PC.
There’s no need to trick PC owners into clicking a link, opening a file, or granting any permissions… if they have the misfortune of being connected to the same Wi-Fi network as a hacker and have not updated their Windows operating system to the latest patch to fix the flaw, they’re at risk.
The fix for CVE-2024-30078 is bundled as part of the latest security update for all versions of Windows, alongside 48 other vulnerabilities and security flaws. It’s always good practice to install one of the best VPNs when connected to a public Wi-Fi network, like those in a hotel, airport, or coffee shop.
VPNs encrypt all of your internet traffic, making it impossible for anyone monitoring your activity to trace the websites or online services you’re using — and for how long. Intercepted data cannot be read, since most VPNs rely on military-grade AES-256 encryption.
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If you haven’t taken advantage of one of the best VPN deals, but want to use your Windows device in public, then you might be better served by tethering to the mobile data connection from your smartphone. This shares the internet from your 4G or 5G connection via a password-protected Wi-Fi connection.
And make sure you’ve downloaded the June 2024 Security Update available for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Most laptops and desktop PCs will update their operating system automatically. However, it’s possible to speed up the process, by heading to Settings > Windows Update, and clicking on Check For Updates to manually kickstart the process.