15 Feb 2006
Microsoft issues fixes for critical security holes in its software
|
| Microsoft has described the vulnerabilities as
critical. |
As part of its monthly patch distribution, Microsoft has issued
a series of new security updates, two of which are categorized as
critical. The vulnerabilities, if left unpatched, allow hackers to
run malicious code on unprotected computers. This month's security
updates affect Microsoft Windows, Windows Media Player, Microsoft
Office, and Internet Explorer.
"It is essential that computers are protected from unauthorized
access by remote hackers," said Ron O'Brien, senior security
analyst at Sophos. "All computer users need to patch against these
flaws in Microsoft's software as quickly as possible, before
hackers and virus writers try and take advantage of them."
Home users of Microsoft Windows can visit update.microsoft.com to have their systems scanned for
critical Microsoft security vulnerabilities.
Sophos suggests 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 companies protect their desktops
and servers with automatically updated
anti-virus protection.
About Sophos
More than 100 million users in 150 countries rely on Sophos as the best protection against complex threats and data loss. Sophos is committed to providing security and data protection solutions that are simple to manage, deploy and use and that deliver the industry's lowest total cost of ownership. Sophos offers award-winning encryption, endpoint security, web, email, and network access control solutions backed by SophosLabs - a global network of threat intelligence centers. With more than two decades of experience, Sophos is regarded as a leader in security and data protection by top analyst firms and has received many industry awards.
Sophos is headquartered in Boston, US and Oxford, UK. More information is available at www.sophos.com.