Alert: Uninstall Apple Quicktime Now!

Last week, the Department of Homeland Security issued an important alert advising everyone using Windows computers to uninstall Apple Quicktime. The application has now reached its end of life for all Windows platforms and will no longer be updated, and Apple has recommended that it be uninstalled.

The risk of leaving this program on your system is serious, as it already has major vulnerabilities, and will only increase as time goes on. Since cyber-criminals are also aware that it is no longer being updated, it is only a matter of time before they find other significant weaknesses in the application. Trend Micro has already identified two major weaknesses in the program, both of which allow for remote code execution.

Apple was kind enough to provide Windows users with instructions as well on how to properly uninstall Quicktime if you do still have this program. You can find this page here.

Apple Quicktime is primarily used for viewing .mp4 and .mov video files, but there are many alternatives if you truly need to view such files. VLC is a current favorite of mine, but with any such software, remember to keep it updated, and if you don't use it, uninstall it. It is better to minimize any vulnerabilities from free software by only keeping the programs on that you genuinely need.