As a small business leader, you might think cybersecurity isn’t a top priority, assuming that your business is too small to be a target. However, this misconception could leave your business vulnerable. Small businesses are often prime targets due to their limited resources and expertise in cybersecurity. With cyberattacks becoming more frequent and sophisticated, protecting your business from potential threats is essential.

Microsoft’s June 2024 Patch Tuesday brings critical security updates that every business should prioritize. By ensuring that your systems are regularly updated, you can greatly improve your cybersecurity posture and protect your business from potential losses.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

1. What is Patch Tuesday and Why It Matters
   Patch Tuesday is the second Tuesday of each month when Microsoft releases security updates for products like Windows, Office, and Edge. These updates fix vulnerabilities and bugs that could leave your devices and data exposed to cyberattacks. Keeping your systems updated is one of the best ways to prevent costly cyber incidents.

2. What’s New in the June 2024 Patch Tuesday
   This update addresses 51 vulnerabilities, including 18 remote code execution flaws and one zero-day vulnerability. Key fixes include a remote code execution flaw in Microsoft Message Queuing (MSMQ) and a 'Keytrap' attack that could cause denial of service via the DNS protocol. Updates also include fixes for Windows Kernel privilege elevation flaws and non-security updates for Windows 11 and 10.

3. How to Install the June 2024 Patch Tuesday Updates
   If automatic updates are enabled, the updates will install automatically after downloading, though a restart may be required. For manual updates, navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then select and install the latest updates. Be sure to verify that updates have been successfully installed, as failed installations could leave your systems vulnerable. If managing multiple devices, tools like Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or Microsoft Endpoint Manager can streamline the update process.

Conclusion

Cyberattacks can happen to businesses of any size, and staying protected starts with regularly updating your systems. The June 2024 Patch Tuesday highlights the importance of maintaining a strong cybersecurity posture by addressing critical vulnerabilities. If you rely on an IT service provider or managed service provider (MSP), ensure they are keeping your systems up to date and secure. Don't leave your business exposed—make patching a priority.