Mozilla has released version 2.0.0.7 of its Firefox web browser,
fixing a security vulnerability.
Experts at SophosLabs™, Sophos's global
network of virus and spam analysis centers, have advised businesses
and home users to update their copies of the Mozilla Firefox web
browser, in order to protect against a security flaw which could be
exploited by hackers to run malicious code on victims' computers.
Recognizing the threat that unpatched computers present to
businesses, Sophos experts have advised companies to consider the
benefits of implementing a Network Access Control (NAC) solution to
defend against future vulnerability issues.
Made public earlier this week, a security hole was discovered in
the way that Firefox and Apple QuickTime work together, potentially
allowing privileged code to execute on a user's computer without
permission. Hackers can exploit the flaw to access data on a
vulnerable PC or run malicious code such as a worm.
"Companies and consumers need to update their copy of Firefox to
keep themselves protected against software vulnerabilities as
security is not just a problem for users of Microsoft products like
Internet Explorer," said Graham Cluley, senior
technology consultant for Sophos. "Microsoft Internet Explorer is
more often the target of attack for hackers than Firefox, but that
doesn't mean that users of non-Microsoft products can stick their
heads in the sand about security. There are no excuses for dragging
your feet, and not using the latest version of your internet
browser."
More information about version 2.0.0.7 of Firefox, and details
of the security issues it claims to fix, can be found on Mozilla's
website.
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.
Network Access
Control 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.
"For companies, patch management is a big issue. You want to
ensure that computers connecting to your network - whether they be
guests, contractors or regular workers - are adhering to your
security policy which should include running up-to-date anti-virus
and the latest security patches," continued Cluley. "Network Access
Control can help firms ensure that only properly secured PCs are
connecting to the network, and give visibility as to which
computers are not defended against the dangerous
vulnerabilities."
Sophos continues to recommend computer users practise safe computing as well as running
consolidated up-to-date protection against
viruses, spyware, spam, and hackers.
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.