Microsoft says 92% of Exchange servers have been patched or mitigated
Microsoft Exchange servers are getting patched and mitigated at a good rate, but servers are still at risk.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
Microsoft states that 92% of vulnerable Exchange servers have been patched or mitigated. That figure shows an improvement of 43% over last week, according to Microsoft. The company states that there is strong momentum for on-premises Exchange server updates.
It’s important to note that patching or mitigating a vulnerability does not protect servers that have already been compromised. IT admins need to check to see if their systems have been exploited.
Microsoft has taken several steps to address the widespread attack on its Exchange server software. The company released anemergency fix for the vulnerabilityand released aone-click mitigation tool. Microsoft also updated Microsoft Defender to address one vulnerability.
Our work continues, but we are seeing strong momentum for on-premises Exchange Server updates:• 92% of worldwide Exchange IPs are now patched or mitigated.• 43% improvement worldwide in the last week.pic.twitter.com/YhgpnMdlOXOur work continues, but we are seeing strong momentum for on-premises Exchange Server updates:• 92% of worldwide Exchange IPs are now patched or mitigated.• 43% improvement worldwide in the last week.pic.twitter.com/YhgpnMdlOX— Security Response (@msftsecresponse)March 22, 2021March 22, 2021
Threat actors jumped on the opportunity togo after unpatched Microsoft Exchange servers. Check Point Research saw exploitation attempts on organizationsdouble every 2-3 hours over a 24-hour periodearlier this month.
Researchers at F-Secure said that servers are being hacked faster than they can count. In a report from March 19, Antii Laaktikainen, senior security consultant atF-Securesaid, “Tens of thousands of servers have been hacked around the world. They’re being hacked faster than we can count. Globally, this is a disaster in the making” (via ZDNet.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
