I have already tried to install the update via the Technet page you refer to - that page is the problem as Microsoft do not provide a link to 32 bit Windows xp operating system. The link at the bottom of the page is for Windows xp 64 bit systems only so won't download to my P.C.
Microsoft Corp. today took the unusual step of issuing security updates to address flaws in older, unsupported versions of Windows — including Windows XP and Windows 8. The move is a bid to slow the spread of the WanaCrypt ransomware strain that infected tens of thousands of Windows computers virtually overnight this week.
A month prior, on March 14, Microsoft had released a security update to patch this vulnerability and protect our customers. While this protected newer Windows systems and computers that had enabled Windows Update to apply this latest update, many computers remained unpatched globally. Microsoft just released emergency security updates/fixes for legacy systems as well (windows xp, server 2003 etc). Download links are in this blog post. Download links. May 15, 2017 Download Security Update for Windows XP SP3 (KB4012598) from Official Microsoft Download Center. Security Update for Windows XP SP3 (KB4012598) Important! Selecting a language below will dynamically change the complete page content to. Download Security Update for Windows 8 for x64-based Systems (KB4012598) from Official Microsoft Download Center.
A map tracking the global spread of the Wana ransomware strain. Image: Malwaretech.com.
On Friday, May 12, countless organizations around the world began fending off attacks from a ransomware strain variously known as WannaCrypt, WanaDecrypt and Wanna.Cry. Ransomware encrypts a victim’s documents, images, music and other files unless the victim pays for a key to unlock them.
It quickly became apparent that Wanna was spreading with the help of a file-sharing vulnerability in Windows. Microsoft issued a patch to fix this flaw back in March 2017, but organizations running older, unsupported versions of Windows (such as Windows XP) were unable to apply the update because Microsoft no longer supplies security patches for those versions of Windows.
The software giant today made an exception to that policy after it became clear that many organizations hit hardest by Wanna were those still running older, unsupported versions of Windows.
“Seeing businesses and individuals affected by cyberattacks, such as the ones reported today, was painful,” wrotePhillip Misner, principal security group manager at the Microsoft Security Response Center. “Microsoft worked throughout the day to ensure we understood the attack and were taking all possible actions to protect our customers.”
The update to address the file-sharing bug that Wanna is using to spread is now available for Windows XP, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2003 via the links at the bottom of this advisory.
On Friday, at least 16 hospitals in the United Kingdom were forced to divert emergency patients after computer systems there were infected with Wanna. According to multiple stories in the British media, approximately 90 percent of care facilities in the U.K.’s National Health Service are still using Windows XP – a 16-year-old operating system.
According to a tweet from Jakub Kroustek, a malware researcher with security firm Avast, the company’s software has detected more than 100,000 instances of the Wana ransomware.
For advice on how to harden your systems against ransomware, please see the tips in this post.
Tags: microsoft, Phillip Misner, Wana Decryptor, Wanna Decryptor, Wanna.Cry ransomware, Windows XP
All you need to know about WannaCrypt in 60 seconds
Microsoft has taken the unprecedented step of issuing patches for unsupported operating systems - like Windows XP - in the wake of the massive WannaCrypt ransomware attacks against organisations across the globe.
Businesses, governments and individuals in 74 countries across the globe have been victims of more than 45,000 attacks by this one strain of ransomware in the space of just a few hours.
Everything you need to know about ransomware: how it started, why it's booming, how to protect against it, and what to do if your PC is infected.
Wannacrypt ransomware demands $300 in Bitcoin for unlocking encrypted files - a price which doubles after three days. Users are also threatened with having all their files permanently deleted if the ransom isn't paid in a week.
Hospitals across the UK have had systems knocked offline by the ransomware attack, with patient appointments cancelled and doctors and nurses resorting to pen and paper and NHS England declaring the cyberattack as a 'major incident' - a total of 45 NHS organisations are now own to be affected.
Cybersecurity researchers have suggested the ransomware attacks are so potent because they exploit a a known software flaw dubbed EternalBlue. This Windows flaw is one of many zero-days which apparently was known by the NSA -- before being leaked by the Shadow Brokers hacking collective. Microsoft released a patch for the vulnerability earlier this year - but only for the most recent operating systems.
One thing many of the targets have in common is that they're running old Windows operating systems like Windows XP, Windows 8 and Windows Server 2003, which now only usually receive patches if the organisation using them are receiving special custom support.
Also:Ransomware: These four industries are the most frequently attacked | Windows 10 tip: Keep unwanted software off PCs you support | Will your business be next? Customizable ransomware makes it easy for criminals to target organisations | Ransomware: An executive guide to one of the biggest menaces on the web
However, in order to ensure as many systems as possible are protected against WannaCrypt ransomware and other attacks, Microsoft has made security patches for Windows XP and other operating systems broadly available to download.
Wanna Cry Xp Update
'This decision was made based on an assessment of this situation, with the principle of protecting our customer ecosystem overall, firmly in mind,' the company told customers in a blog post.
Customers can now download security updates for Windows Server 2003 SP2 x64, Windows Server 2003 SP2 x86,Windows XP SP2 x64, Windows XP SP3 x86, Windows XP Embedded SP3 x86, Windows 8 x86, and Windows 8 x64.
Microsoft is continuing to work with customers to provide assistance as the situation evolves.
In response to the attacks against the UK's National Health Service, Home Secretary Amber Rudd is set to chair an emergency Cobra crisis-committee meeting to coordinate a government response to the incident.
Meanwhile,. The National Cyber Security Centre has issued a statement to say it is 'working round the clock with UK and international partners and with private sector experts to lead the response to these cyber attacks'.
Ciaran Martin, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, said that in order to protect against this sort of attack, organisations should 'make sure your security software patches are up to date' and 'make sure that you are running proper anti-virus software'
READ MORE ON CYBERCRIME
Free Xp Update
- Report: Ransomware attacks grew 600% in 2016, costing businesses $1B [TechRepublic]