Several of the security vulnerabilities in Microsoft's software are
rated as critical
As part of its monthly patch distribution, Microsoft has issued
a series of new security updates for Microsoft Windows, Internet
Explorer, Windows Media Player and Visual Studio 2005. Some of the
vulnerabilities addressed by the patches are rated as critical, and
if left could allow hackers to remotely execute code (such as a
worm) on vulnerable PCs.
The patches do not contain a fix for the zero day
Microsoft Word vulnerability announced last week. Microsoft is
believed to still be investigating that issue.
"On many occasions hackers have taken advantage of Microsoft
vulnerabilities in the hours and days after an announcement like
this, so it's essential that businesses and home users patch
themselves as soon as possible," said Graham Cluley, senior
technology consultant for Sophos. "To properly protect your PC from
the hackers you need to not only practise safe computing, but also
ensure it is receiving regular security patches, as well as
defended by anti-malware software and a strong firewall. Anything
less is asking for trouble."
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.
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.