A new report indicates that Microsoft's Edge web browser suffered an increase in critical vulnerabilities in 2024, meaning that cyber criminals could have exploited the software without deceiving users.
The report conducted by cybersecurity firm BeyondTrust, however, said that Microsoft's vigilance to find and prevent security flaws has helped to drive down critical vulnerabilities in the company's overall product offerings.
“Critical vulnerabilities dropped to an all-time low of 78 in 2024, compared to 84 in 2023, and 196 back in 2020,” read part of the BeyondTrust report, released April 17.
Christopher Hills, chief security strategist for BeyondTrust, told The National that Microsoft's ubiquitous Office suite also made improvements, and the recent spike in critical vulnerabilities discovered in Edge.
“The Microsoft Edge vulnerabilities had seemingly plateaued over the last few years,” he said.
“The last significant year for critical vulnerabilities tied to Edge was back in 2020 with 61 critical vulnerabilities. This then dropped to four in 2021, and remained low until this past year, where it saw nine critical and 292 total vulnerabilities, which is a significant increase over 2023.”
BeyondTrust's report largely gives Microsoft high marks for its Secure Future Initiative, which seeks to take a proactive rather than reactive approach to identifying security vulnerabilities.
The report also notes that Microsoft's Windows operating system “offer far greater security” compared to previous generations.
Morey Haber, chief security adviser at BeyondTrust noted that for all the concerns about critical vulnerabilities that can be exploited with users knowing, the most likely security breaches still occur from malware or phishing scams, where a lack of awareness can create major problems.
“This year’s Microsoft Vulnerabilities Report demonstrates that humans continue to be the weakest link, and not only from social engineering, but also the software we develop,” he wrote in the report.
BeyondTrust's Christopher Hills said that regardless of what operating system or web browser is used, and regardless of the location where users reside, basic cybersecurity awareness is needed.
Haphazardly clicking links and not using basic antivirus software, he said, is a recipe for disaster.
“Threat actors do not discriminate,” he said. “If you leave opportunity on the table, they will exploit it to further their cause or for monetary gains. This is why nobody is safe and every organisation needs to consider themselves a target.”
According to a 2024 report from the World Economic Forum, cybersecurity breaches show no sign of waning, with opportunities for potential cyberattacks growing at an “unprecedented” rate.
Those potential attacks, according to the WEF report, will likely continue with the number of Internet of Things devices expected to exceed 32 billion by 2030.
Security experts also say that artificial intelligence has lowered the barrier for those seeking to commit cyber crimes.
Mr Hills said despite all the warnings, far too many people, even those responsible for cybersecurity, seem to believe they will never be compromised.
“Another human factor in this is many just don’t believe they are a target and I remind people constantly – at conferences, events, and shows – that they are the target and anything they might touch, or have access to, could present an opportunity for a threat actor,” he said.
“I tell them that threat actors are not dumb, but they are lazy – they will take the path of least resistance, and if you leave any opportunity, such as these Microsoft vulnerabilities, on the table for them to exploit or capitalise on, they will take advantage of them.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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3. Hajj
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Scorline
Iraq 1-0 UAE
Iraq Hussein 28’
Kalra's feat
- Becomes fifth batsman to score century in U19 final
- Becomes second Indian to score century in U19 final after Unmukt Chand in 2012
- Scored 122 in youth Test on tour of England
- Bought by Delhi Daredevils for base price of two million Indian rupees (Dh115,000) in 2018 IPL auction
Your Guide to the Home
- Level 1 has a valet service if you choose not to park in the basement level. This level houses all the kitchenware, including covetable brand French Bull, along with a wide array of outdoor furnishings, lamps and lighting solutions, textiles like curtains, towels, cushions and bedding, and plenty of other home accessories.
- Level 2 features curated inspiration zones and solutions for bedrooms, living rooms and dining spaces. This is also where you’d go to customise your sofas and beds, and pick and choose from more than a dozen mattress options.
- Level 3 features The Home’s “man cave” set-up and a display of industrial and rustic furnishings. This level also has a mother’s room, a play area for children with staff to watch over the kids, furniture for nurseries and children’s rooms, and the store’s design studio.
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
The biog
Name: Samar Frost
Born: Abu Dhabi
Hobbies: Singing, music and socialising with friends
Favourite singer: Adele
The Bio
Favourite vegetable: “I really like the taste of the beetroot, the potatoes and the eggplant we are producing.”
Holiday destination: “I like Paris very much, it’s a city very close to my heart.”
Book: “Das Kapital, by Karl Marx. I am not a communist, but there are a lot of lessons for the capitalist system, if you let it get out of control, and humanity.”
Musician: “I like very much Fairuz, the Lebanese singer, and the other is Umm Kulthum. Fairuz is for listening to in the morning, Umm Kulthum for the night.”
Zayed Sustainability Prize
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Command%20Z
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Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
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The Specs:
The Specs:
Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 444bhp
Torque: 600Nm
Price: AED 356,580 incl VAT
On sale: now.
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COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
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Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The specs: 2018 Ford F-150
Price, base / as tested: Dh173,250 / Dh178,500
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Power: 395hp @ 5,000rpm
Torque: 555Nm @ 2,750rpm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 12.4L / 100km
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs: 2018 Genesis G70
Price, base / as tested: Dh155,000 / Dh205,000
Engine: 3.3-litre, turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 370hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 510Nm @ 1,300rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.6L / 100km
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Pari
Produced by: Clean Slate Films (Anushka Sharma, Karnesh Sharma) & KriArj Entertainment
Director: Prosit Roy
Starring: Anushka Sharma, Parambrata Chattopadhyay, Ritabhari Chakraborty, Rajat Kapoor, Mansi Multani
Three stars
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