---
title: Microsoft Patch Tuesday
description: Microsoft Patch Tuesday
---

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IT Operations

# Microsoft Patch Tuesday

Microsoft Patch Tuesday

![Randy Hall](https://blog.securafy.com/hubfs/Randy%20Hall%202.png) By Randy Hall Updated Jul 2024 3 min read Share [**](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://blog.securafy.com/2023/03/28/microsoft-patch-tuesday) [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.securafy.com/2023/03/28/microsoft-patch-tuesday&text=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3EMicrosoft+Patch+Tuesday%3C%2Fspan%3E) [**](mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3EMicrosoft+Patch+Tuesday%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=https://blog.securafy.com/2023/03/28/microsoft-patch-tuesday)

![](https://static.hsstatic.net/BlogImporterAssetsUI/ex/missing-image.png)Microsoft released on March 14, 2023, a security update that fixes at least 74 bugs in Windows and other software. Hackers are already attacking two flaws, including a very serious one in Microsoft Outlook.

**Microsoft Outlook Vulnerability**

The Outlook bug, CVE-2023-23397, affects all versions of Microsoft Outlook from 2013 to the most recent one.

Microsoft said that threat actors are taking advantage of this bug. It starts working automatically when a malicious email goes to an email server, even before it appears in the Preview Pane.

CVE-2023-23397 is an NTLM relay exploit that enables an attacker to gain a user's Windows account password and use it in a "Pass The Hash" attack.  
 The flaw makes it possible for a threat actor to pose as a trustworthy person. This is the same as an attacker having a valid password and getting into an organization's systems.

**Windows SmartScreen Vulnerability**

The second exploited flaw, CVE-2023-24880, is a “Security Feature Bypass” in Windows  
 SmartScreen. The flaw can let malicious code run without SmartScreen checks.  
 CVE-2023-24880 lets threat actors create files that get around Mark of the Web (MOTW)  
 defenses. By bypassing the MOTW, hackers can spread malware through documents and other infected files that SmartScreen normally blocks.

Microsoft also fixed seven other security flaws this week with a “critical” rating. The rating  
 means that a threat actor could take complete remote control of a Windows host without the user having to do much.

**Action Plan for Business Owners**

Windows is a staple in many businesses. Owners should take the following precautions to protect their clients and make sure their systems are safe:

- Install security updates quickly. Once there’s a new patch, you should update your  
   software to stop exploitation.
- Establish a regular update schedule. Check for and apply updates for your operating  
   system, apps, and security programs on a regular basis.
- Get people to use strong passwords. Encourage employees to use strong, unique  
   passwords and consider using a password manager.
- Enable multi-factor authentication. This provides an added layer of security.
- Train your workers about security. Teach your employees best practices, like spotting suspicious emails and what to do when a cyberattack happens.
- Always have a backup plan. Back up your data regularly and keep it in several places for quick recovery.
- Monitor network activity. Use tools for network monitoring to find strange behavior and possible threats.
- Develop an incident response plan. Plan for handling cybersecurity issues, including ways to deal with threats.
- Review policies on security. Regularly review and update security policies to adapt to new threats and technology.

**Final Word**

Organizations need to be always aware of cyber dangers. By regularly reviewing and updating security rules, you can keep your digital environment safe from threats.

Tagged Under IT Operations[Cybersecurity](https://blog.securafy.com/tag/cybersecurity)Business Continuity

In This Article

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![Randy Hall](https://blog.securafy.com/hubfs/Randy%20Hall%202.png)

About The Author

Randy Hall · CEO & Founder

Randy Hall is the CEO and Founder of Securafy, with decades of experience helping organizations make smarter, safer decisions about technology.

 A frequent speaker and instructor at national IT events, Randy has advised thousands of organizations, from startups and SMBs to large enterprises and U.S. government entities, on secure, practical technology adoption. He writes about the decisions business leaders are often expected to make without enough context, including cybersecurity, compliance, AI, cyber insurance, IT strategy, and business resilience.

 Outside the office, you’ll often find Randy on Lake Erie enjoying time on his 38-foot Chris-Craft.

**Writes about:** Cybersecurity strategy, compliance, AI security, business resilience, cyber insurance, SMB risk, IT leadership

[More From This Author →](https://blog.securafy.com/author/randyhall)

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