“Microsoft Corp. warned computer users Wednesday about a new critical security hole in its Windows operating system that could allow an attacker to gain control over a computer, delete data and install unwanted programs,” Reuters reports. “The vulnerability is similar to one that Microsoft warned about in July, which experts called one of the worst to hit a software program in years because of the broad number of Windows systems affected.”
“Hackers apparently have not yet targeted the newly announced vulnerability, said Jeff Jones, senior director of Trustworthy Computing security at Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft. But with any critical flaw, ‘we have a worry that history has shown us there are malicious individuals out there that could create an attack of some sort against it,’ he said,” Reuters reports. “The operating systems affected by the latest security vulnerabilities are Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Older versions of Windows, including Windows Millennium, Windows 98 and Windows 95, are not affected, the company said.”
“‘It’s pretty much like instant replay,’ said Marc Maiffret, chief hacking officer at eEye Digital Security, which discovered the latest critical flaw. ‘I can’t even imagine the frustration level administrators will be feeling today,’ he said. There are critical Windows flaws occasionally, but ‘never before have we had another one so soon,’ he said, adding that he thinks there is a good chance there will be another worm that will exploit the new flaw,” Reuters reports.
“Since early last year, Microsoft has made software security a top priority in an attempt to address rising customer concerns about the spread of viruses and hacker attacks. Last week Microsoft warned of an important flaw in its Office software that could enable a malicious programmer to create documents that would launch attacks on unsuspecting users,” reports Reuters. “There have been about 40 warnings from Microsoft of security flaws, rated either critical, important, moderate and low, since the beginning of this year, according to data posted at the Microsoft security bulletin Web site. Last year, there were a total of 72 bulletins issued, Jones said.”
“Jones advised Windows users to get information and download a patch that fixes the critical vulnerabilities, as well as other less-serious ones the company discovered. The patch is available here. Microsoft is also urging customers to install a firewall to block out intruders and enable the Windows auto update feature, which allows security and other software to be updated and installed automatically. The Web site for that is here,” Reuters reports. Full article here.
CNET is reporting, “Microsoft identified three vulnerabilities in Windows on Wednesday that could have a similar effect to that of the dreaded MSBlast worm of August.” Full report, “Windows flaws allow PC takeover” here.
MacDailyNews Take: We don’t know whether to laugh or cry. Windows users, please protect yourselves and patch your systems. Microsoft is urging customers to do many things; MacDailyNews, as always, has a better suggestion: Get a Mac and enjoy your time computing. More information on how to add a Mac to your computing arsenal or switch completely from Windows to Mac OS X here.
Good ones. But, “pulchritudity”? Macs can get net porn, too, y’know.
eXcessive Problems
My deepest sympathy goes to the thousands of future programmers (like my co-worker) spending thousands of hard-earned dollars for a college education focussed on Microsoft. By the time they graduate, their Swiss cheese of OSes will be more holes than cheese, and their li’l outcast classmate running OS X in the corner will be their future boss.
Do these newbie programers not realize they are about to dive into a pool of shark-infested and heavily polluted water? I really do feel for them and the money they waste on learning Microsoft.
Come where the waters are clear and open.
Indeed Ralph was being humorous but have you guys tried to compare prices of G5 configurations and other 64 platforms? The best I have found is BOXX and
a) I cannot configure the Opteron machine (both dual and single) to be on par with the G5 (always something to sacrifice)
b) Opteron machine price does not include ANY software
c) the best I could do is ~$1000 more expensive than the G5
AND the Opteron CANNOT run any existing 32-bit software.
Without any doubt: whoever cast thousands $ on a PC today must mark visit (or solely interested into FPS games)
I can’t even imagine the frustration level administrators will be feeling today,’
No, they aren’t frustrated; they smile broadly, knowing that things like this keep them busy, gainfully employed, and allows them to build their empire to an even greater degree.
When will the employers of these IT administrators see sense? Well, not anytime soon as these employers know next to nothing about computer systems (they just OWN the company), and they trust these morons to run their computer systems.
I wish these employers would WAKE UP!
How much well paid overtime IT professionals are now enjoying?!
I wonder how in the world these expenses are not taken into account when people decide for a PC because it costs 100$ less then an Apple computer with better configuration.
Windows zombie dude:
“Hey, I do not need all that Apple additional stuff: they are forcing me to pay more. They are the real monopoly: just look, I HAVE to buy from them if I want to use OS X. Micros**t does not impose on me any PC brand. I am FREE to choose whatever I like instead of you Mac zealots!
I am SMART and I will never pay those 100$ more. I’ll go Dell”
ROFL
Just had a customer moaning about the pain and suffering of winblows ownership, told them I had a Mac, and they responded “now you’re just showing off”! Smug me? You bet your life! ;o)
sirocco:
LOL