Experts at SophosLabs™, Sophos's global
network of virus and spam analysis centres, have advised companies
and home users to patch their systems after Microsoft released
information about a new security hole in its products. Microsoft
has labelled the flaw as "important" for users of Windows 2000, and
warned that the vulnerability could leave users' computers open to
attack.
"If you use Microsoft products you need to keep updated with the
latest Microsoft security patches, or you will be leaving yourself
vulnerable to hackers and worms," said Graham Cluley, senior
technology consultant for Sophos. "In the past hackers and virus
writers have exploited vulnerabilities to break into
internet-connected computers for the purposes of stealing money and
resources, or launching spam or denial-of-service campaigns."
Microsoft has posted details of the vulnerabilities and made
available updates which are reported to fix the issues on its
website.
Computers running Microsoft Windows XP are said not to be
affected by the vulnerability.
Home users of Microsoft Windows can visit windowsupdate.microsoft.com
to have their systems scanned for critical Microsoft security
vulnerabilities.
"It's essential that all computer users ensure their systems are
properly defended and follow safe computing best practice,"
continued Cluley.
Sophos recommends that every IT manager responsible for security
should consider subscribing to vulnerability mailing lists such as
that operated by Microsoft at www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/notify.mspx.
Sophos continues to recommend computer users practise safe computing as well as running
up-to-date anti-virus software.
Sophos is headquartered in Boston, US and Oxford, UK. More information is available at www.sophos.com.