Windows IT Pro is the leading independent community for IT professionals deploying Microsoft Windows server and client applications and technologies.
  
  
  Advanced Search 


June 10, 2009

Microsoft Issues Record Number of Monthly Security Fixes

RSS
Subscribe to Windows IT Pro | See More Security Articles Here | Reprints | Or get the Monthly Online Pass—only $5.95 a month!
Microsoft announced a record number of security fixes for its regularly scheduled monthly security patch release, plugging 31 separate flaws. Although the volume of fixes Microsoft announced is reminiscent of what Mac OS X users face from Apple on a far more haphazard schedule, this week's bumper crop is notable for a more serious reason: More than half of the flaws Microsoft fixed are rated "critical," meaning malicious users could exploit them to take control of users' PCs.

The critical flaws involve such products as Internet Explorer (IE) 8—although not the version in the Windows 7 release candidate—the IIS web server, and Microsoft Excel (especially Excel 2000). Additionally, Microsoft has enhanced its Malicious Software Removal Tool to detect and remove the Internet Antivirus Pro program, which masquerades as security software but really infects the PC with malware. Microsoft says this application has infected tens of millions of PCs by fooling users with pop-up windows that warn of infection.

As always, common sense rules the day. Microsoft recommends, as do I, that users enable Automatic Updates and let Windows automatically fix these problems for you. Otherwise, you can manually visit Windows Update to download and install any relevant fixes.

End of Article



Reader Comments
"Although the volume of fixes Microsoft announced is reminiscent of what Mac OS X users face from Apple on a far more haphazard schedule..."

You're such a jacka$$ Paul. Seriously.

RunTimeError June 10, 2009 (Article Rating: )


^^ What he said.

freakyfelt June 10, 2009 (Article Rating: )


ha ha ha - its funny because its true...

this batch is going to be a weekend ruiner...

:(

sx4sport@hotmail.com June 10, 2009 (Article Rating: )


Let's try to guess what Paul's thinking, shall we?

"Hmm, a record number of fixes across a wide swath of our product lineup. This looks bad, real bad. I need a distraction... I know! A TOTAL NON SEQUITUR ABOUT APPLE THAT WILL INSULT THE MAC USERS!"

Readers and page views don't make you any less petty and juvenile, Paul. If you want to use the lunatic fringe of the Mac user base as a straw man, that's fine by me. It's your reputation on the line.

KWRussell June 11, 2009 (Article Rating: )


Good to see the mac fan boys doing their usual abuse tactic. Sadly they will never learn.

longsword69 June 14, 2009 (Article Rating: )


You must be a registered user or online subscriber to comment on this article. Please log on before posting a comment. Are you a new visitor? Register now




Top Viewed ArticlesView all articles
WinInfo Short Takes: Week of November 9, 2009

An often irreverent look at some of the week's other news, including some more Windows 7 sales momentum, some Sophos stupidity, Microsoft's cloud computing self-loathing, more whining from the browser makers, Zoho's "Fake Office," and much, much more ...

Command Prompt Tricks

One reader shares his tip for setting up the command prompt to reflect a remote path. ...

Windows 7 Sets Sales Record

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer described Windows 7's first ten days of sales as "fantastic" while in Japan yesterday. ...


Security Whitepapers Reducing the Costs and Risks of Branch Office Data Protection

Solving Desktop Management Challenges in Healthcare

Solving Desktop Management Challenges in Education

Related Events Introduction to Identity Lifecycle Manager "2"

SQL Server Security: How to Secure, Monitor & Audit Your Databases

Protecting Mobile Users' Data

Check out our list of Free Email Newsletters!

Security eBooks Spam Fighting and Email Security for the 21st Century

Understanding and Leveraging Code Signing Technologies

A Guide to Windows Certification and Public Keys

Related Security Resources Introducing Left-Brain.com, the online IT bookstore
Looking for books, CDs, toolkits, eBooks? Prime your mind at Left-Brain.com

Discover Windows IT Pro eLearning Series!
Clear & detailed technical information and helpful how-to's, all in our trademark no-nonsense format


Windows IT Pro Home Register FAQ for Windows WinInfo News
Europe Edition About Us Contact Us/Customer Service Media Kit Affiliates / Licensing  
SQL Server Magazine Office & SharePoint Pro DevProConnections IT Job Hound
Left-Brain.com Technology Resource Directory asp.netPRO ITTV Windows SuperSite 
 
 Windows IT Pro is a Division of Penton Media Inc.
 © 2009 Penton Media, Inc. Terms of Use | Privacy Statement