thinkCSC is issuing a security alert regarding .TIFF files. Zero-Day attacks targeting Windows users has been detected by Microsoft and is already affecting people in Asia an the Middle East. It is expected to spread to the U.S. and Europe very quickly. This vulnerability enters your system when you open a .TIFF file and allows the attacker (potentially on a remotely hosted computer) to gain administrative access to your system and network.
Security Alert
It is imperative that you refrain from opening any questionable .TIFF file, as the messages are often constructed to make the user believe they are coming from a trusted choice.
While Microsoft is working to develop a patch to protect users, at this time, current antivirus and firewall solutions are unable to prevent infection. Most vulnerable are Microsoft Office users who are running Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008. Microsoft Office 2003 through Office 2010 are impacted in this zero-day attack.
What Are .TIFF Files?
From Adobe: TIFFs are a file format popular with graphic designers and photographers for their flexibility, high quality, and near-universal compatibility. Learn more about these raster graphic files and how you can put them to use in your next project.
If you have any questions or believe you have been a target of this threat, please contact our team at your earliest convenience.
