⚠️ IT Desk Security Update: What You Need to Know This Week
- Alex Hughes
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Cybersecurity doesn’t stand still — and neither do we.
This week, several high-profile vulnerabilities and threat warnings have been confirmed across Windows, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Copilot, alongside an advisory from the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
None of this is about panic — but timely updates and good habits really do matter. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s happening, what it means, and what we recommend you do.
🪟 1. Windows Zero-Day Vulnerability (CVE-2026-20805)
A newly discovered zero-day vulnerability in Windows’ Desktop Window Manager is being actively exploited in the wild.
In simple terms:This flaw can help attackers bypass system protections, making it easier for them to escalate attacks once they’re on a device.
Microsoft has already released fixes — but they only apply after your device restarts.
Source: Krebs on Security
What you need to do
Restart your computer to ensure Windows updates fully install
Don’t ignore update prompts — they’re there for a reason
If your device feels slow or odd after updating, report it to IT — but don’t roll back updates
💡 Delaying restarts is one of the most common reasons critical fixes don’t apply.
🌐 2. Google Chrome Vulnerability (CVE-2026-1220)
Google has patched a high-severity flaw in Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine.
This vulnerability could allow:
Browser crashes
Or, in worst cases, malicious code execution just by visiting a harmful website
No downloads required. No warnings. Just a visit to the wrong page.
What you need to do
Open Chrome → ⋮ > Help > About Google Chrome
Let it update automatically
Restart Chrome to complete the fix
Avoid installing unknown or unnecessary browser extensions
🔐 Browsers are one of the most common attack entry points — keeping them updated is critical.
🇬🇧 3. NCSC Warning: Russian-Aligned DDoS Activity
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a warning about ongoing Russian-aligned hacktivist denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, primarily targeting UK public services and websites.
These attacks aim to overwhelm systems, making services slow or temporarily unavailable.
Source: TechRepublic – NCSC Warning
What you need to do
If a website is slow or unavailable, don’t repeatedly refresh or retry — this can make things worse
Be cautious of emails or messages claiming “service issues” and asking for login details — these may be fake
Report anything unusual, such as:
Unexpected login failures
Access suddenly being blocked
Messages that don’t feel right
🛡️ Disruption attacks are often paired with phishing attempts — awareness is key.
🤖 4. “Reprompt” – One-Click Copilot Data Theft Attack
A recently disclosed attack, dubbed “Reprompt”, showed how attackers could steal data from Microsoft Copilot Personal using a single malicious link.
The good news:
Microsoft has already patched the issue
Microsoft 365 Copilot (enterprise) was not affected
Still, it’s a useful reminder that AI tools should be used carefully.
Source: SecurityWeek – Reprompt Attack
What you need to do
Be cautious with links claiming to “open Copilot” or containing pre-filled prompts
If Copilot opens unexpectedly, close it and report it
Install Windows updates promptly — the fix is already live
Never enter sensitive or confidential data into AI tools unless it’s part of an approved company workflow
🧠 AI is powerful — but it still relies on good user judgement.
🔍 Why This Matters
None of these issues require you to be “doing something wrong”.
Most attacks today rely on out-of-date software, delayed updates, or one accidental click.
That’s why our approach at IT Desk is simple:
Patch early
Monitor constantly
Fix issues before they become incidents
Our team is already applying updates, reviewing alerts, and monitoring environments — often before your working day starts.
✅ Quick Takeaway
If you do just three things this week:
Restart your device
Update Chrome
Be cautious with unexpected links
You dramatically reduce your risk.
If anything feels off — slow devices, odd pop-ups, unexpected prompts — tell us.
No judgement. No panic. Just early action.
Need reassurance or have a question?
That’s what we’re here for — quietly keeping things secure, so your day runs smoothly.
— IT Desk Security Team 🛡️
