Indian Government Warns Microsoft Users About Serious Security Risks
Windows users, Office users, and even enterprise Microsoft subscribers have been alerted to significant security threats. The Indian government has issued warnings after identifying vulnerabilities that put millions of PCs and laptops at risk. Windows, the widely used operating system, and Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are among the affected products.
In August 2025, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) detailed these security risks, highlighting that multiple Microsoft products are vulnerable to hacking. These issues pose serious concerns for both individual users and businesses.
What the CERT-In Alert Says
According to the CERT-In bulletin, the vulnerabilities could allow attackers to:
Gain elevated privileges
Access sensitive information
Execute remote code
Bypass security restrictions
Conduct spoofing attacks
Cause denial of service
Tamper with system settings
The alert lists the Microsoft products at risk:
Windows (including soon-to-be-unsupported Windows 10 and current Windows 11)
Office
Microsoft Dynamics
Browsers
Devices and developer tools
SQL Server and System Center
Open-source and server software
Extended Security Updates (ESU) for legacy products
Azure and other Microsoft apps
Because these vulnerabilities allow remote attacks, millions of devices could be compromised. For businesses, this increases the risk of ransomware and data theft.
Recommended Actions
Microsoft has issued updates to address these security issues. Users are advised to:
- Enable Windows auto-updates.
- Reboot systems to install the latest updates.
- Follow Microsoft’s August 2025 update guide for fixes on all affected products.
Taking these steps promptly can help secure PCs and prevent potential cyberattacks.
