Government Issues Urgent Security Alert for Windows Laptop and PC Users in India

This information is essential for the protection of users' data if they are using a Windows desktop or laptop.

All enterprise users who depend on the Microsoft ecosystem to conduct business have received a warning from the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), a government organisation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Government of India that specialises in cybersecurity issues. Millions of people and their data are at risk due to a severe vulnerability.

 According to a CERT study released on May 15, 2025, the numerous flaws can make it simple for hackers to get access to Microsoft ecosystem devices, enabling data theft and crashes.

The fact that the problem is not limited to Windows laptops and PCs makes it even more worrisome. Cyberattack dangers are the same for anyone utilising any of the Microsoft services that are susceptible on other platforms.

Even Android and Mac are also Not Safe

A person is just as vulnerable if someone is using a Mac or Android device with Microsoft Office, Azure services, and other apps. The following services are impacted by the vulnerabilities that CERT found:

•Microsoft Windows

•Extended Security Updates (ESU) for legacy Microsoft products

•Microsoft Office

•Microsoft Azure

•Microsoft Developer Tools

•Microsoft Apps

•Microsoft System Center

•Microsoft Dynamics

Both individual and business users are impacted by the vulnerabilities. Security teams and IT administrators are also under danger.

According to the research by CERT-In, the flaws might provide attackers the ability to run remote code, obtain elevated rights, access private data, get around security measures, launch spoofing attacks, and trigger denial-of-service (DoS) assaults.

The vulnerability, which was found in both 32-bit and x64-based computers, was rated as "high" on the severity scale by CERT-In. It stated that a defect in the kernel component of Microsoft Windows is the cause of the vulnerability.

These actions may result in a number of cybersecurity threats, including ransomware attacks, data theft, system instability, and more disruptions.

What is the Possible Solution?

These vulnerabilities typically result from faulty coding, unsafe setups, or inadequate testing of essential software components. Because important Microsoft services are impacted in this situation, users must act quickly to prevent future exploitation.

The government agency urges all private and enterprise users to install Microsoft's most recent security patches as soon as possible in order to protect the systems from intrusions. Pay attention to the most recent Windows Update releases and install them as soon as possible.

To protect their data, users on other platforms should update their Microsoft apps. System administrators and IT teams should maintain the most recent versions of their malware detection and antivirus software.