Another critical Patch Tuesday in July

Stan Beer
Saturday, 08 July 2006 16:01

Business IT - Security

On Tuesday July 11, Microsoft intends to release another seven security updates for its Windows and Office products. Four vulnerabilities have been identified for Windows, of which at least one has been given the maximum rating of critical. Three vulnerabilities have been identified for Office, of which again at least one has been classified as critical.

A critical vulnerability is one which if exploited could potentially allow a hacker to gain control of a computer remotely without the owner's knowledge.

The current spate of vulnerabilities follows a particularly nasty June, in which Microsoft identified 12 vulnerabilities across its product range, of which eight were classed as critical.

The Patch Tuesday releases plugging newly discovered vulnerabilities in its constantly malware targeted software range have become a monthly ritual for Microsoft customers. Although Microsoft promises that Windows Vista will offer significant security improvements, at one security vendor has warned non-business users to consider switching to the much less targeted Macintosh platform. {moscommented}