Skip to main content

Be aware of Bluekeep, the vulnerability sitting in your computer

Bluekeep is a brand new software vulnerability that is making waves - so many in fact, that even the NSA is asking you to take it seriously. If you’re interested in keeping your computer safe from internet nasties (and let's face it, you should be), then you need to know about Bluekeep.

What is Bluekeep?

Bluekeep is a software vulnerability in older versions of Windows (specifically, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows Server 2008). It’s got everyone at Windows especially riled up - as well as the lovely folks at the National Security Agency, because of the way that the vulnerability would allow a virus to spread.

Back in 2017 the virus on everybody’s mind was WannaCry. This was a particularly awful virus that found its way into the NHS computer systems, as well as hundreds of thousands of other government machines across the world. It was an incredibly destructive piece of ransomware, and stopped people from accessing their files or even logging into their machine - and it travelled through networks, meaning you didn’t need to click an infected link to be infected yourself. As you can expect, this did a huge amount of damage.

Like WannaCry, BlueKeep is a software vulnerability that is ‘wormable’. This means you don’t need lots of people to click a link for lots of computers to be infected - you only need one person to click a link once, and that initial click could help a virus spread from one computer to the next. The vulnerability is in the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) - one of the ways that IT support technicians access your machine when you need remote assistance. A virus that attacks this vulnerability could end up infecting a huge number of machines in a short space of time.

What can I do?

Bluekeep is another vulnerability in a long line of vulnerabilities which viruses are going to be particularly effective against - if you’re running Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows Server 2008 or any operating systems that Windows has stopped offering support for. If you are running an outdated version of Windows, or one of the Windows systems on the list above, you will need to take action. 

The most important thing you can do is update your machine. This means ensuring that automatic updates are turned on - if you got sick of waiting Windows to configure and update in the past, and turned those updates off, you will not be able to receive the patch for Bluekeep. It’s incredibly important that, as annoying as they are, you keep allowing Windows to update - because otherwise, viruses can get through.

If you do have automatic updates on, or you’re still leaving them turned off but you want the patch for Bluekeep, head to the settings and click check for updates. You’ll then be able to install any that you’re missing. If you are running Windows 8 or Windows 10, then you can rest easy - there is no such vulnerability for viruses to exploit in these operating systems. 

You should also consider regularly backing up your important files, so that if disaster does strike you can regain access to your computer without having to send some dodgy individuals some Bitcoin.

The other thing to consider is moving to a more updated operating system, such as Windows 10. The cut-off for support to Windows 7 moves ever closer, at which point, it doesn’t matter how many new and innovative forms of viruses and ransomware come out - Microsoft isn’t likely to offer any fixes at all.

In addition, when Microsoft does offer security patches for vulnerabilities like Bluekeep, each update comes with notes on what is being fixed. And often, the security issue is on all previous versions of Windows - so although it's been found on Windows 8, it's also present in Windows 7, XP, Vista, etc. Phishers then just need to read Microsoft's own notes on this vulnerability, and target computers running software that is no longer supported by Windows. As such, it's especially important to update.

You can find out more about support for Windows 7 ending here.

If in doubt, talk to your IT support team

We understand that waiting for your computer to install updates can be frustrating, but it really is one of the most important things you can do to keep your machine protected. If you’re feeling uncertain about Bluekeep, you want to know whether you are running one of the operating systems that are vulnerable to viruses, or you’re interested in moving to a new operating system, we can help. Give our team a call on 0191 482 0444.

Tweet us @TranscenditUK


The Transcendit Way

Transcendit understand that when you choose to work with us, whether we're taking care of your IT, app or web development, you're trusting us with part of your business. So whether we're looking after your computers, phone systems or servers we always do things 'the Transcendit way'.

The whole of our team adhere to the same values, beliefs and policies - the principles that were written when Transcendit first formed in 2000. Whether you come to us for cloud services or recovery backup you can be confident that you'll always receive the same excellent service.

The Transcendit way outlines how we do business; following the same straightforward principles with every client and customer, regardless of how big or small they may be.

That means we get to know you and your business. We offer you a friendly, professional and efficient service, and we'll always be honest with you.
We understand that not everybody speaks fluent IT, so we try to explain things in a way that is simple and clear. We always spend as much time as is necessary explaining things to you.
If you need to talk to us about something, no matter how insignificant, we are only ever a phone call away – and we’re never too busy to make you a cup of tea and have a sit down with you in person.
We understand how frustrating it can be when things are late. When we schedule an appointment with you, we are there when you’re expecting us. If something prevents us from getting there, we always call you in advance to let you know.
Sometimes things can go wrong, but we never lie to you or try to cover something up. If things go askew we tell you what’s happened and how we plan to prevent it affecting your business.
We want you to continuously benefit from working with us. We regularly discuss your business and make suggestions for improving systems and processes wherever we can – but we never try to push you into a purchase.
When we quote a fixed price, that's always the amount we charge – you won’t find any nasty surprises on a bill from us. If you are paying by time and materials, we inform you if our approximations could change.
We understand the importance of privacy for your business and your customers. We respect the confidentiality of your data, and we will never pass on your information to third parties.
We appreciate it when you take the time to give us feedback. A system called CustomerSure records our client's responses, so you can trust that our reviews are from real people.
Find out what they're saying here.
We have been working with Transcendit since they started in business and they have never taken what they offer us for granted. Always first class professional service. Thanks to you all for the prompt attention and service. Bill Baty, Tech Set

Based on 12075 reviews our customers rate us 9.8/10. Reviews and ratings by Customersure. 09-October-2024

Transcendit are proud sponsors of CHUF, the Children's Heart Unit Fund.

Transcendit is a Living Wage employer
Transcendit is a Microsoft Gold certified partner
VMWARE partner
Vipre partner
IPCortex partner
WithSecure partner
DELL partner
Barracuda partner
Veeam partner
N-Able partner