Microsoft has issued a critical security update for its widely used email client, Microsoft Outlook. The update is in response to a critical vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-23397, which could potentially allow an attacker to execute malicious code remotely on a targeted computer system. This vulnerability affects all versions of Microsoft Outlook, including those that are part of Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Office 2019. 

Microsoft has acknowledged the severity of this vulnerability and has acted quickly to release a security update that addresses the issue. It is strongly recommended that all users of Microsoft Outlook update their software as soon as possible to protect themselves from potential attacks. 

In addition to installing the security update, there are also some best practices that users can follow to further protect themselves from potential threats. These include: 

• Be cautious when opening email attachments or clicking on links in email messages. Always verify the sender and ensure that the message is legitimate before taking any action. 
• Keep your antivirus and anti-malware software up-to-date to ensure that you are protected against the latest threats. 
• Use strong and unique passwords for your email account and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible. 

• Regularly back up your important files and data to an external device or cloud storage service. 

The recent critical security update for Microsoft Outlook highlights the importance of keeping all software up-to-date and taking proactive steps to protect against potential security threats. By following best practices and keeping your software up to date, you can minimise the risk of falling victim to a cyberattack and help protect your sensitive information from unauthorised access.  If you have any questions relating to this security update please contact your Account Manager.