Dive Brief:

• Microsoft released additional critical security updates Tuesday to protect users against growing nation-state activity, according to Eric Doerr, General Manager, Microsoft Security Response Center.
• The update was released as part of the company's regular Tuesday schedule. But unlike previous updates, the new updates also cover older version of Microsoft software, including XP.
• Microsoft says the action is part of its regular practices in response to "elevated risk for destructive cyber attacks at this time."

Dive Insight:

Older versions of the Microsoft operating systems have come under attack recently, and Microsoft wants to ensure its not at the root of a major global breakdown. In May, the WannaCry ransomware affected computer users around the globe by targeting the Windows XP OS.

But Microsoft also wants to ensure people know it does not intend to make updates to older versions of its software a regular occurrence, and encourages users to update to their latest software to ensure the best security protections.

Microsoft has tried all types of methods to get users to upgrade to Windows 10, but it's a slow process. Conversely, the company has also been criticized for pushing users too hard to upgrade.