Microsoft is urging users to immediately install February security updates to address six vulnerabilities already being exploited by attackers. The flaws bypass critical security protections within the Windows operating system.
Windows 10 users face immediate risk: Six actively exploited security weaknesses threaten unpatched systems, circumventing core operating system safeguards.
Microsoft and cybersecurity authorities have issued urgent warnings regarding the vulnerabilities, which were patched in February. These six “zero-day” flaws are already being leveraged by attackers to bypass fundamental Windows security barriers and potentially gain full system control. While the February 10 “Patch Tuesday” update addressed a total of 58 vulnerabilities, these six pose an immediate and critical threat.
Attacks Disable Key Security Shields
The severity of these vulnerabilities lies in their ability to evade detection. Three of the flaws (CVE-2026-21510, -21513, -21514) directly target security features like SmartScreen, which typically alerts users to suspicious files downloaded from the internet. Exploits effectively silence these warnings.
A typical attack scenario is deceptively simple: a user receives a phishing email containing a malicious link or document. Opening the file exploits the vulnerability, allowing malware to execute in the background without any security warnings. The user remains unaware while the attacker establishes a foothold.
Two additional exploited vulnerabilities (CVE-2026-21519, -21533) enable privilege escalation. Once an attacker gains initial access, these flaws allow them to acquire administrator or SYSTEM-level privileges, granting complete control over the compromised machine. This can lead to data theft, the installation of persistent malware, and lateral movement within a corporate network.
Urgent Appeal: Update Now!
Microsoft has delivered patches through update KB5075912. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added all six vulnerabilities to its catalog of actively exploited weaknesses – a clear indication of the highest level of urgency.
Security researchers at Google and Microsoft have confirmed these are not theoretical risks, but rather represent active attack campaigns. Because technical details of some of the vulnerabilities were published before a patch was available, attackers have a significant window of opportunity. The recommendation is clear: immediately check for and install Windows updates. Enabling automatic updates provides the best protection.
Windows 10 at a Crossroads: ESU or Migration?
This significant security incident underscores the risks associated with using an operating system nearing its end of life. Regular support for Windows 10 has already ended, with security updates now only available through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for a fee.
The situation is further complicated by an impending issue: the original Secure Boot certificates from 2011 are set to expire in June 2026. This technology prevents malicious code from loading during the PC startup process. Users without an ESU subscription will not receive the necessary updates, leaving their devices in a “degraded security posture.”
Microsoft emphasizes that the ESU program is intended as a temporary solution. The long-term goal remains migration to a fully supported operating system like Windows 11. These recent zero-day attacks should serve as a final wake-up call for all remaining Windows 10 users to accelerate their upgrade plans.
If you’re considering switching to Windows 11 due to expiring Secure Boot certificates or security concerns, but your PC is officially deemed “incompatible,” there is a legal workaround. A free PDF report details step-by-step instructions on how to install Windows 11 on officially unsupported hardware – quickly, securely, and without data loss. Download the Free PDF: Install Windows 11 Despite Incompatible Hardware
@ boerse-global.de
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