|
| Microsoft has described the vulnerabilities as
critical. |
As part of its monthly patch distribution, Microsoft has issued
a series of new security updates, two of which are categorized as
critical. The vulnerabilities, if left unpatched, allow hackers to
run malicious code on unprotected computers. This month's security
updates affect Microsoft Windows, Windows Media Player, Microsoft
Office, and Internet Explorer.
"It is essential that computers are protected from unauthorized
access by remote hackers," said Ron O'Brien, senior security
analyst at Sophos. "All computer users need to patch against these
flaws in Microsoft's software as quickly as possible, before
hackers and virus writers try and take advantage of them."
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
anti-virus protection.