Running QuickTime on Windows? Uninstall Now

Heads up, Windows users: If you have Apple's QuickTime media player on your machine, you should probably take a minute to uninstall it.

Security firm Trend Micro on Thursday warned that Apple will no longer issue security updates for QuickTime for Windows, leaving the software open to attacks. Worse yet, Trend Micro just identified two new, critical vulnerabilities affecting the platform. The company has not (yet) discovered any active attacks against these bugs, but issued an "urgent call to action" advising users to uninstall QuickTime for Windows right away to be on the safe side.

"Because Apple is no longer providing security updates for QuickTime on Windows, these vulnerabilities are never going to be patched," Trend Micro wrote.

The Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team echoed Trend Micro's recommendation Thursday, noting that Apple's decision to drop support for QuickTime for Windows leaves the software "vulnerable to exploitation."

"Computer systems running unsupported software are exposed to elevated cybersecurity dangers, such as increased risks of malicious attacks or electronic data loss," the U.S.-CERT advisory. "Exploitation of QuickTime for Windows vulnerabilities could allow remote attackers to take control of affected systems."

Windows users can find instructions for removing the software on Apple's Uninstall QuickTime page. If you decide to do nothing, your computer will continue to work, but using this unsupported software will, no doubt, leave your machine more susceptible to viruses and other security threats.

"Potential negative consequences include loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability of data, as well as damage to system resources or business assets," the U.S.-CERT wrote.

:story: PC Magazine