The U.S. government’s cybersecurity force says you better find Apple’s Quicktime video viewer on your PC and remove it quick, or hackers might find it first.
The U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team, a tech team in the Department of Homeland Security, is telling people with computers running Microsoft Windows to uninstall Quicktime after cybersecurity firm Trend Micro issued an “urgent call to action” about the program.
Why? Apple is finished sending updates for Quicktime, which means the two hacking vulnerabilities that Trend Micro found aren’t likely to be fixed. And without more updates coming, hackers could also find new ways to dive into your digital treasure trove through the program.
Apple didn’t immediately respond to TheWrap’s message seeking comment. Apple computers aren’t affected.
Computers running QuickTime for Windows, though they will keep working after support ends, may face increased risks from viruses and other security threats.
To avoid the problem altogether, US-CERT directed PC owners to uninstall Quicktime. Trend Micro said it wasn’t aware of any active attacks against the two vulnerabilities it found, but said removing Quicktime was the only way to protect against potential attacks.
Apple has been fighting the U.S. government over the security of its iPhones, in a high-profile face-off that has pitted one of the world’s most powerful companies against the highest levels of U.S. law enforcement.