Time to Uninstall QuickTime for Windows
Posted on: May 25, 2016 in Security, Software
Apple has decided to pull the plug on QuickTime for Windows. They will no longer be issuing security updates for the product on the Windows platform. Apple is recommending that users uninstall the software. [1]
Trend Micro, a leading security company, has also issued two advisories ZDI-16-241 and ZDI-16-242 that detail two new, critical vulnerabilities affecting QuickTime on Windows. Since Apple will no longer be providing security updates, these vulnerabilities will never be patched.
The Department of Homeland Security has also advised that PC owners uninstall Apple’s QuickTime for Windows, after these two vulnerabilities were discovered in its code. Because Apple is no longer updating the Windows version of the software, the DHS says “the only mitigation” is to remove the software entirely, or else risk “loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability of data, as well as damage to system resources or business assets.”
Computers running QuickTime for Windows will continue to work after support ends. However, using unsupported software may increase the risks from viruses and other security threats. Users can find instructions for uninstalling QuickTime for Windows on the Apple Uninstall QuickTime page. [2]
References
- [1] Trend Micro – Urgent Call to Action: Uninstall QuickTime for Windows Today
- [2] Apple – Uninstall QuickTime 7 for Windows