February’s Microsoft security updates are not routine maintenance. They address multiple actively exploited vulnerabilities that attackers are already using to break into real IT environments.
As Leapfrog Services’ Chief Technology Officer, Emmet (Trey) Hawkins, puts it, “These issues aren’t hypothetical. They’re being used right now to compromise systems, and the gap between exposure and business impact is shrinking.”
For mid‑enterprise leaders evaluating operational risk, this month’s update cycle deserves elevated attention.
What makes this month’s Microsoft vulnerabilities more dangerous?
These vulnerabilities are already being used in active attacks, which shortens the time between exposure and real operational impact. Several of the issues patched make it easier for attackers to bypass security warnings and execute malicious files on employee devices. Others allow attackers with even minimal access to escalate privileges and gain deeper control of systems.
This combination is exactly the kind of vulnerability mix that can turn a routine phishing attempt into a business‑wide disruption. One employee opening the wrong file can quickly become an organization‑wide incident if systems aren’t patched promptly.
Why is timely patching still one of the highest‑ROI cybersecurity actions?
Timely patching closes known attack paths that adversaries are actively walking through. Delaying updates doesn’t just increase theoretical risk; it also extends the window where known attack techniques can be used against your environment with a high likelihood of success.
As Trey often reminds leadership teams, “When attackers already know the door is open, every day you wait is a day you’re betting they won’t walk through it.”
Is patching alone enough to protect business continuity?
No, patching is essential, but it cannot eliminate the exposure window between disclosure and full deployment. Even well‑run environments have gaps that attackers can exploit through new vulnerabilities.
This is where managed security monitoring becomes a critical compensating control. Continuous monitoring, detection, and response capabilities help identify suspicious behavior early, even if a system is compromised before a patch is applied. The goal isn’t just prevention. It’s rapid detection and containment so issues never escalate into business‑disrupting events.
How is Leapfrog responding to these actively exploited threats?
Leapfrog integrates patching and monitoring into a coordinated operational motion designed for mid‑market organizations. Our security and operations teams review each month’s Microsoft security updates, prioritize the highest‑risk fixes, and coordinate deployment through our managed patching processes.
In parallel, our managed security monitoring is tuned to detect behaviors associated with these newly disclosed attack techniques. This gives us the ability to respond quickly if there’s any sign of attempted or successful exploitation. We also monitor for stability issues that sometimes accompany large update cycles so that protection doesn’t come at the cost of unnecessary disruption to your business.
What should business leaders take away from this month’s update cycle?
Patch cycles are no longer just IT hygiene; they are frontline defense activities that directly protect availability, data integrity, and business continuity. Managed security monitoring is the safety net that catches what prevention controls miss. Together, timely patching and continuous monitoring significantly reduce both the likelihood of compromise and the time it takes to know something has gone wrong.
As Trey says, “Our job is to make this risk invisible to your business by addressing it early and detecting issues before they become material incidents.”
If you are an existing client and want to understand how these updates apply to your environment, how patching is being handled across your systems, or how managed security monitoring fits into your broader risk strategy, reach out to your Leapfrog account manager.
For organizations that are exploring MSP options, this is also a moment to evaluate the kind of partner you want at your side. Leapfrog has been in business for more than 25 years, supporting mid‑market companies through every major shift in technology and cybersecurity. That longevity isn’t just a milestone. It’s proof that our methodology works. We’ve seen threat landscapes evolve, we’ve helped clients navigate disruption, and we customize IT management models to keep your businesses stable, secure, and moving forward so your team can stay focused on the business.
Ready to Leap into a secure future? Reach out to us today.
Emmett Hawkins III – Chief Technology Officer, Leapfrog Services
Emmett Hawkins III – Chief Technology Officer, Leapfrog ServicesEmmett leads Leapfrog’s technology strategy, service innovation, and hosted solutions, while advising clients as a trusted solutions architect. He co-founded Virtex Networks, one of the nation’s first IT infrastructure service providers, acquired by Leapfrog in 2001. With deep expertise in enterprise management technologies, Emmett has held leadership roles at Computer Associates and served on advisory committees for the City of Atlanta. He is a member of InfraGard and a trustee of the Grace Scholarship Foundation. Emmett holds a BA from Emory University and is a graduate of Duke University’s AMP program.
