After kicking off 2008 with just two security updates in January, Microsoft plans to release one of its largest bundles of patches ever next Tuesday.
Twelve security updates are set to be released next week, the software vendor said Thursday in a note on its Web site. Seven of these have been given Microsoft's most serious rating of "critical." The remaining five are rated "important."
The critical updates are for Microsoft's Windows operating system, Internet Explorer and the company's Office software, all of which are frequent targets of hackers. Here's how they break down: Two of the critical updates are for Windows, and there is one update each for Internet Explorer, Office, Office Publisher, and Microsoft Word. A critical update is also being readied for the VBScript and JScript scripting languages used by Internet Explorer.
By exploiting vulnerabilities in these applications, attackers could, in theory, run unauthorized software on a victim's PC, Microsoft warns.
The less-severe updates will be for Windows Vista, Active Directory, and Microsoft Works. Two important updates are also planned for the Internet Information Services Web server software.
Microsoft releases its security updates on the second Tuesday of each month, a date known as "Patch Tuesday" in IT circles. Last year it released a total of 69 updates, an average of just under six per month, so next week's 12 releases are sure to keep IT administrators busy.
Get the independent advice and expertise you need to support a virtual workforce.
The increase in Linux popularity has increased the frequency and sophistication of malware attacks. Read this 2 page white paper now to learn how you can protect your Linux environment with real-time protection that is certified by all major Linux vendors.
Download now »
Ensuring acceptable application delivery will become even more difficult over the next few years. As a result, IT organizations need to ensure that the approach that they take to resolving the current application delivery challenges can scale to support the emerging challenges. This handbook elaborates on the key tasks associated with planning, optimization, management and control and provides decision criteria to help IT organizations choose appropriate solutions.
Download now »
A common misconception is that mid-range storage requirements are dramatically different than that of a larger enterprise. Mid-range storage users may require less capacity, but they have similar functionality and management requirements. This ESG paper examines mid-range storage needs and reviews a new solution that adjusts size while retaining value, performance and functionality.
Download now »
Recommend This
