Why Regular Windows Updates Are Critical for IT Security and Stability

Introduction

Windows updates are more than just routine maintenance—they are a vital part of your system’s defense against evolving cyber threats. These updates include patches for security vulnerabilities, performance improvements, and compatibility enhancements. Ignoring them can expose systems to exploitation, data breaches, and operational disruptions.

Why Windows Updates Matter

Security Patches
Microsoft regularly identifies and fixes vulnerabilities in its operating systems and software. These patches prevent attackers from exploiting known weaknesses to gain unauthorized access, install malware, or disrupt services.

System Stability and Performance
Updates often include bug fixes that improve system reliability and performance. They can resolve crashes, memory leaks, and compatibility issues with hardware or third-party applications.

Compliance and Support
Many industries require systems to be up-to-date to comply with data protection regulations. Also, Microsoft support often depends on having the latest updates installed.

Feature Enhancements
Updates can introduce new features or improve existing ones, enhancing productivity and user experience.

Real-World Example: SharePoint 2016 & 2019 Vulnerabilities

In July 2025, Microsoft disclosed critical vulnerabilities in SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019, tracked as CVE-2025-53770 and CVE-2025-53771. These flaws allowed attackers to bypass authentication and execute remote code on unpatched servers.

What Happened?

Threat actors, including nation-state groups like Storm-2603, exploited these vulnerabilities to deploy Warlock ransomware. Attackers uploaded malicious scripts (e.g., spinstall0.aspx) to SharePoint servers, enabling them to steal machine keys and escalate privileges. Microsoft observed widespread exploitation targeting internet-facing SharePoint servers that had not applied the July 2025 security updates.

Consequences of Not Updating

Organizations that failed to install the updates were compromised, leading to:

– Data theft
– Credential harvesting
– Ransomware deployment
– Persistent backdoors via web shells and scheduled tasks

Mitigation Steps

Microsoft issued urgent guidance:

– Apply both security updates for SharePoint 2016 and 2019.
– Enable Antimalware Scan Interface (AMSI) and deploy Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
– Rotate ASP.NET machine keys and restart IIS services.
– Disconnect vulnerable servers from the internet if updates couldn’t be applied immediately.

Important

– Windows updates are essential for protecting systems from known vulnerabilities.
– Neglecting updates can lead to severe consequences, as seen in the July 2025 SharePoint attacks.
– Proactive patching, combined with security best practices, helps maintain a secure and resilient IT environment.

Not sure, how this is important to you? Contact us, together we can review existing solutions and provide you with suggestions, best suited for you and your it environment.