What to do if you received an Autodesk email entitled “Updates required to maintain software access”.
Autodesk is currently rolling out of automated emails to some users across the Globe which looks something like this:
Sounds a bit scary but never fear, the solution is quite straight forward. The totally non-technical explanation is that if you are running Autodesk 2016, 2015 or 2014 software then there is a possibility that there is a vulnerability that can cause a security loophole in your system. Note that for MAC versions of the software, this vulnerability also affect 2017 versions of the MAC based Autodesk software (that’s not people running PC versions on a MAC using Parallels or Bootcamp – if that’s you then the PC version of the software is the issue).
The solution is to install the relevant patch for your software. Autodesk have been working hard to create a patch for their older software titles.
The list (and links to the software) can be found here:
Autodesk Security fixes for pre-2018 software:
There is quite an assortment of titles there. You’ll find that the more popular software such as Autocad, Inventor, Navisworks and Revit are all fully represented here. Some of the less widely used titles may only have patches for 1 or 2 of the versions so if you find there isn’t one for your software, make a bookmark to this page and recheck it at regular intervals. You click on the version that relates to your product and a new page will open with a direct link to the installer for the update.
Note: These updates will generally not appear in the Autodesk Application App’ as they are outside of the “Previous Usage” period (which is currently 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017).
Also, if you are a CAD or BIM Manager then you will need to collect the installers manually for your older software and deploy it using your normal method.
So, Keep Calm and Apply Patches, if you need to 😉