Microsoft has described nine of the vulnerabilities as
critical
As part of its monthly patch distribution, Microsoft has issued
a series of new security updates for Microsoft Windows and
Microsoft Office products. Nine of the vulnerabilities addressed by
the patches are categorized as critical, including a zero day
flaw in Microsoft PowerPoint that has already been exploited by
Chinese hackers.
The most serious vulnerabilities if left unpatched can allow
hackers to remotely execute code (such as a malicious worm) on
vulnerable systems.
"There's no time to waste - it is crucial that all vulnerable
computers are protected with these security patches at the earliest
possible opportunity. Virus writers often exploit flaws in
Microsoft's software in the days immediately following an
announcement of problems, and in the case of the PowerPoint flaw
hackers have been taking advantage of the security hole since
mid-July," said Graham
Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. "The message
couldn't be clearer: Don't let the criminal underground compromise
your computers. Get into the habit now 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.
The patches include a fix for Microsoft
PowerPoint that has been exploited by Chinese hackers.
Sophos continues to recommend companies protect their desktops
and servers with automatically updated
protection against viruses, spyware, and spam.
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.