Some of the vulnerabilities have been rated as critical by
Microsoft.
Sophos, a world leader in IT security and control, has advised
computer users to install a number of new critical security patches
from Microsoft.
As part of its monthly "Patch Tuesday" schedule Microsoft has
issued a number of new bulletins (some of them labeled "critical")
about security vulnerabilities in its software.
Vulnerabilities described in the security bulletin include
vulnerabilities in Windows' Schannel security package, Internet
Explorer, Outlook Express, and Windows Mail. These flaws could
allow remote code execution, enabling a hacker to access data on a
vulnerable PC or run malicious code such as a worm.
"Patching against new security vulnerabilities should be as
natural as breathing for Windows users. If you don't do it, you
risk hackers breaking into your PC and causing mayhem," said
Graham Cluley,
senior technology consultant at Sophos. "It makes sense to keep
up-to-date with the latest security patches and roll them out
across your business as a matter of priority. In the past hackers
have shown no mercy in taking advantage of vulnerabilities in
Microsoft's code - acting now will help defend your network and
keep your company out of trouble."
Home users of Microsoft Windows can visit update.microsoft.com to have their systems scanned for
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 experts recommend that companies ensure that all
computers connecting to their network conform to a defined security
policy, which includes having the latest security patches in place.
Sophos NAC
Advanced offers a comprehensive and easy-to-deploy network
access control solution, giving businesses the ability to control
who and what is connecting to their network.
Sophos continues to recommend companies protect their desktops
and servers with automatically updated
protection against viruses, spyware, hackers, 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.