10 May 2006
Microsoft releases critical security patches, customers urged to update now
|
| Microsoft has described two of 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 most serious vulnerabilities affect Microsoft Exchange
Server and Macromedia Flash Player on Windows XP, and could allow
hackers to remotely execute code (such as a malicious worm) on
vulnerable systems.
"These security patches are important, because we know that
virus writers and hackers often exploit flaws in Microsoft's
software in the days immediately following an announcement of a
problem," said Graham
Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. " Don't let
the bad guys compromise your computers, and get into the habit of
regularly applying security patches, or you will be leaving your
PCs open to attack."
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
protection against viruses, spyware, and spam.
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.