Microsoft February 2026 Patch Tuesday: Six Zero-Days Being Exploited — Patch Now

for the vendor to develop a fix, leaving users completely unprotected until a patch is released. Once a patch is available, as it is now, the clock starts ticking.

For Irish SMEs, this is particularly concerning because these vulnerabilities affect products used daily across nearly every business: Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office suites, and Exchange Servers. If your business uses any of these, you are directly in the line of fire. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC Ireland) consistently advises proactive patch management as a fundamental security control, and this situation underscores why.

The Attack Chain: How These Zero-Days Can Impact Your Business

These zero-day vulnerabilities are not just minor glitches; they represent serious security feature bypasses and elevation of privilege flaws. One particularly dangerous scenario involves a SmartScreen bypass. Imagine this common attack chain:

An attacker sends a malicious file to one of your employees via a sophisticated phishing email. The email looks legitimate, perhaps appearing to be from a known supplier or a government agency. When the unsuspecting user opens this file, the SmartScreen bypass vulnerability is triggered.

This bypass allows the attacker to gain system-level control over that employee's computer. From there, they can deploy ransomware, encrypting all your critical business data and demanding a payment, or steal sensitive information, leading to data breaches and regulatory fines. A successful exploit of these vulnerabilities can be business-ending for an Irish SME without a dedicated security team.

Many Irish SMEs still run unmanaged Windows endpoints, meaning devices are not consistently updated or monitored. This creates a fertile ground for attackers looking for easy targets. Every unpatched Windows PC and server within your network is a potential entry point for these actively exploited threats.

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The Six Zero-Days: A Closer Look

Microsoft's February 2026 Patch Tuesday addresses a total of 58 vulnerabilities, but the six zero-days demand immediate attention due to their active exploitation. Understanding the types of flaws involved can help you appreciate the urgency.

This table highlights the diverse nature of these threats, ranging from gaining unauthorised access to disrupting services. The critical severity of some of these means they can be exploited with minimal effort and have significant impact.

Immediate Actions for Irish SMEs: Patch Now!

The good news is that Microsoft has released patches to fix these vulnerabilities. The most crucial action you can take right now is to deploy the February 2026 patches immediately across all your Windows, Microsoft Office, and Exchange Server installations. Here’s a practical action plan:

1. Deploy Patches Immediately: Use Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), or your preferred patch management solution to apply all available February 2026 updates. Do not delay. Prioritise patching internet-facing systems and critical servers first.
2. Verify Installation: Don't just assume the patches have been applied. Verify that the updates have been successfully installed on all your systems. Check update histories and system logs.
3. Reinforce User Awareness: Phishing remains a primary vector for these attacks. Remind your employees about the dangers of suspicious emails and attachments. Regular security awareness training is vital. Consider reviewing your email_security_for_irish_businesses_spf_dkim_and_dmarc_explained to add another layer of protection.
4. Ensure EDR is Active: If you have Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions in place, ensure they are active, up-to-date, and configured to detect and block suspicious activity. EDR can provide an additional layer of defence even if a system is temporarily unpatched.
5. Review Incident Response Plan: In the unfortunate event of a breach, having a clear plan is paramount. If you don't have one, now is the time to develop an incident_response_planning_a_step_by_step_guide_for_irish_smes. This will guide your actions and minimise damage. You might also want to consider the complexities of a ransomware_response_playbook_should_you_pay_the_ransom.
6. Consider Professional Support: If managing these updates and security measures feels overwhelming, consider engaging with cybersecurity professionals. A vCISO service, for example, can provide expert guidance without the cost of a full-time security team. Learn more about what_is_a_vciso_and_does_your_irish_sme_need_one.

Implementing multi_factor_authentication_mfa_the_single_most_effective_security_control_for_irish_smes is also a critical step to protect against compromised credentials, even if a zero-day is exploited.

Conclusion

The February 2026 Patch Tuesday is a critical reminder that cyber threats are constantly evolving and actively targeting businesses. For Irish SMEs, the presence of six actively exploited zero-days in widely used Microsoft products demands immediate attention. By prioritising patching, reinforcing user awareness, and having a robust incident response plan, you can significantly reduce your risk and protect your business from potentially devastating attacks.

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Sources

• Smarttech247. (2026). Microsoft February 2026 Patch Tuesday Fixes Zero-Days. Retrieved from https://www.smarttech247.com/threat-intel-reports/microsoft-february-2026-patch-tuesday-fixes-zero-days