This article aims to provide a quick summary of some of the latest trends, announcements, and changes associated with IT patch operations while looking at the upcoming Patch Tuesday and what software updates to expect.
December 2023 Patch Tuesday provided the smallest set of updates in recent memory.
Microsoft released updates for Windows 11 addressing 18 vulnerabilities, Windows 10 and associated servers addressing 22 vulnerabilities, and finally, Office updates with just three vulnerabilities.
A printer issue was reported before December Patch Tuesday, where printer names and icons were being changed, and the HP Smart app was installed automatically.
Microsoft released a tool late last month to resolve the situation, but it is not clear if any additional work will be done to resolve this issue.
Microsoft also announced the introduction of Windows Protected Print mode which is to provide a 'new, modern, and secure print experience from Windows'.
Microsoft was listening and has extensively changed almost all aspects of the printing process.
The WPP feature is available in the Windows 11 Insider channel and can be enabled for early testing per these directions.
We've just wrapped up 2023, and Microsoft is also wrapping up support for their 'Defender Guard' technologies.
Defender Application Guard for Edge for Business was introduced in Windows 10 back in 2019, and Defender Guard for Office was added to Microsoft 365 customers just two years ago.
January 2024 Patch Tuesday forecast January Patch Tuesday should get 'back to normal' with respect to Microsoft releases.
They should release their standard OS and Office updates and will probably include a.NET framework and Exchange Server update as well.
The standalone Service Stack Updates were updated in November, so we shouldn't see any major updates coming this month.
Adobe usually releases a major security update for Acrobat and Reader in January each year.
While we could see a Monterey or Ventura update soon, I suspect they will not come out next week.
Google updated the stable and extended channels for Windows, MacOS, and Linux for Desktop to 120.0.6099.199/200 this week, but have been on a regular weekly cadence so expect a follow-on next week.
The current update includes four CVEs rated High so plan accordingly.
Mozilla last released Firefox and Thunderbird on December 19th, so expect another round from them as well next week.
It's exciting to begin a new year and to see that Microsoft is finally addressing the ongoing printer problems in such a major way.
We should see a standard mix of Microsoft and third-party updates next week to begin the new year, so best wishes for a smooth kickoff.
This Cyber News was published on www.helpnetsecurity.com. Publication date: Fri, 05 Jan 2024 06:43:04 +0000