We wrote about Dell’s recent security faux pas involving a root certificate with a generic security key that could be used to compromise certain Dell Windows machines. Dell was quick to address it, offering up instructions on how to remove the certificate and an update that would do so on its own.
As usual, Microsoft isn’t standing by and waiting for Dell to act. They’re taking things into their own hands and removing the threat via the tools already available to Windows users. Here’s what they have to say over at the Microsoft Security portal:
The following free Microsoft software to detects and removes the vulnerable certificates from the certificate root store, as well as the affected binaries that might re-install the vulnerable certificate:
- Windows Defender for Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, or Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows 7 and Windows Vista
- Microsoft Safety Scanner
- Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool
You should also run a full scan. A full scan might find hidden malware.
So, it’s as simple as that. If you haven’t received Dell’s update or removed the certificate on your own, never fear. Microsoft is on the case, and will get your machine squared away.
