Three 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, Excel, and Outlook.
Three of the vulnerabilities addressed by the patches are rated
as critical (Microsoft's highest severity rating), and if left
could allow hackers to remotely execute code (such as a worm) on
vulnerable PCs.
"It may be a new year, but the old problem of keeping on top of
security patches remains for computer users. Businesses and home
users should patch their PCs as soon as possible before hackers
take advantage of the vulnerabilities in Microsoft's software,"
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 and you are 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.