Issue: Netgear, one of the largest network device manufacturers, announced a large vulnerability that allowed remote code to be executed within your environment, allowing remote access to your network. The vulnerability appears to only be impacting wireless routers at the moment.
Specific Router Models: XR1000 series, XR500, WAX206, WAX220, WAX214
Resolution: A patch and firmware have been provided. It is essential that you apply the update to any Netgear related wireless device immediately.
This is a heightened security concern and Netgear issued a statement noting that any impact to a user as a result of not upgraded will not be within their level of responsibility
Risk 2: Medium
Issue: Google pushed out a large security updated late yesterday that included nearly 50 patches. Multiple of the patches are considered zero-day meaning they are already being exploited.
Resolution: Google recommends you update any Android-based device with the latest security update.
Risk 3: Low
Issue: Microsoft is ending the usage of its Windows Defender Privacy Protection VPN feature by the end of February. This is a VPN features used to mask or protect your identity while conducting activity online.
This is a low risk because it is only related to the personal and family edition of their 365 products. However, we are listing it here as this could impact your personal access and, quite frankly, there are a large number of users who utilize the personal version instead of the business or enterprise versions.
Resolution: Users will need to locate another VPN solution if they wish to continue that level of protection.
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