Anybody who has a Windows 10 or 11 computer in their home has been advised to check their settings and ensure they are protected against scammers.
Microsoft will soon release a new update that promises to fix a range of problems, including three that have been given what's known as a zero-day rating.
This phrase means that hackers have identified the glitch and are likely exploiting it - but once the new update has been rolled out, no attacks can take place in the future.
The Express reports that three bugs fixed in the release include one that could give cyber thieves access to system privileges, whilst another can let online crooks carry out remote coding via a rogue email.
"In an email attack scenario, an attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending the specially crafted email to the victim," Microsoft warned.
"Exploitation of the vulnerability might involve either a victim opening a specially crafted email with an affected version of Microsoft Outlook software, or a victim's Outlook application displaying a preview of a specially crafted email. This could result in the attacker executing remote code on the victim's machine."
Along with these three zero-day issues, Microsoft also says that this release fixes another 35 bugs with six bad enough to be given a critical rating.
Here's how to make sure your PC is up to date.
Windows 10
Windows 10 users should select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update , and then select Check for updates. If updates are available, install them.
Windows 11
Windows 11 users should select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. If the upgrade is available for your device and you want to proceed, download and install it.
This latest update, which is part of Microsoft's Patch Tuesday campaign, is a reminder to those who are still using ageing operating systems such as Windows 7 and Windows 8 to switch to something new.
Microsoft confirmed earlier this year that these platforms will no longer receive any software patches which means PCs that uses these operating systems are more likely to face attacks from cyber criminals.
Explaining more about the issues of sticking with unsupported software, Microsoft said: "While you could continue to use a PC running Windows 8.1, without continued software and security updates, your PC will be at greater risk for viruses and malware. We recommend upgrading to a version of Windows that is still supported. A new device that can run Windows 11 makes for an easy transition and a great experience."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here.
