Last updated: April 19, 2016
Microsoft Patch Tuesday April 2016 – 6 Critical Ratings
It’s Microsoft Patch Tuesday April 2016! Patch Tuesday, or Update Tuesday, refers to the day each month when Microsoft releases security patches for its software. Microsoft issues the security bulletins and updates on the second Tuesday of each month.
As part of today’s Patch Tuesday, Microsoft released 13 security bulletins. Out of the 13 security bulletins, 6 received Critical ratings. Included are critical security updates for Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge web browsers. Patched vulnerabilities could have allowed remote code execution:
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-037 – Critical
Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (3148531)
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-038 – Critical
Cumulative Security Update for Microsoft Edge (3148532)
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-039 – Critical
Security Update for Microsoft Graphics Component (3148522)
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-040 – Critical
Security Update for Microsoft XML Core Services (3148541)
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-042 – Critical
Security Update for Microsoft Office (3148775)
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-050 – Critical
Security Update for Adobe Flash Player (3154132)
According to Microsoft’s Security Bulletin Severity Rating System, Critical means:
A vulnerability whose exploitation could allow code execution without user interaction. These scenarios include self-propagating malware (e.g. network worms), or unavoidable common use scenarios where code execution occurs without warnings or prompts. This could mean browsing to a web page or opening email.
Microsoft recommends that customers apply Critical updates immediately.
The remaining 7 security bulletins received Important ratings. Microsoft encourages its customers to apply Important updates at the earliest opportunity.
Download and install the Microsoft Patch Tuesday April 2016 updates using Windows Update. Before starting, consider exiting out of programs that may be running on your computer. Windows 7 users click the Start button. Choose All Programs above the Search input field, and click Windows Update. Click the Check for updates link.
Windows 8 users, click the Search icon in the upper right-hand corner of the Start screen. Input Windows Update, and click Check for updates in the search results.
Windows 10 users, input Windows Update into the Windows search bar to the right of the Start button. Click Check for updates in the search results.
Windows will inform you if updates are available to download and install. Click the Install updates button to begin the download and installation process.
After the installation of updates, a prompt to restart your computer will display. Consider restarting your computer right away rather than choosing to restart it later. This will allow the updates to take effect immediately.
Microsoft #PatchTuesday April 2016 – 6 Critical Ratings https://t.co/gdOGB9wFSu
— Tech Help KB (@techhelpkb) April 12, 2016
References for Microsoft Patch Tuesday April 2016
Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for April 2016
Microsoft Security Response Center April 2016 Updates
US-CERT: Microsoft Releases April 2016 Security Bulletin
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