More patches out from Microsoft, eight flaws critical

Users of Windows Operating System based computers have been warned by the software giant Microsoft to update their systems with the latest security fixes for security flaws in Windows programs. In its latest monthly security bulletin, Microsoft flagged up eight “critical” security holes, which could leave PCs, open to attack if left unfixed.

The number of holes labeled “critical” by the company this time is more than usual. The new find vulnerabilities affect Windows programs, including Internet Explorer (IE), media player (Windows Media Player), and instant messaging application MSN Messenger. Four other important fixes were also released. These are considered less critical, however.

Users running the programs could be open to viruses or other malicious attacks designed to exploit the holes, if not updated (can be done automatically or manually through Windows Update services). Many of the flaws could potentially be used by virus writers to take over computers remotely, install programs, change, and delete or see data.

One of the critical patches Microsoft has made available is an important one that fixes some Internet Explorer flaws. Stephen Toulouse, a Microsoft security manager, said the flaws were known about, and although the firm had not seen any attacks exploiting the flaw, he did not rule them out. Often, when a critical flaw is announced, spates of viruses follow because home users and businesses leave the flaw unpatched.

More patches fixes holes in Media Player, Windows Messenger, and MSN Messenger, which an attacker could use to take control of unprotected machines through PNG files. Microsoft announces any vulnerability in its software every month. The most important ones are those, which are classed as “critical”.

These latest alerts are coming just days after the company announced it was acquiring security software maker Sybari Software as part of Microsoft’s plans to developed their own security programs.

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