Security Hole Patches Out for Windows, Apple Mac Users

May 14, 2008

Microsoft has rated four of the vulnerabilities as 'critical'.

Experts have advised businesses using Windows and Apple Macs to take action as Microsoft issues a warning of critical security flaws in its software.

As part of its monthly "Patch Tuesday" schedule Microsoft has issued a number of bulletins about six security vulnerabilities in its software. The list of affected software includes Microsoft Office (both Windows and Mac versions), Microsoft Windows, and Microsoft's security products Windows Live OneCare, Microsoft Antigen, Microsoft Windows Defender, and Microsoft Forefront Security.

Four of the vulnerabilities, which appear in Microsoft's Jet Database Engine and in nearly every edition of Microsoft Office, have been tagged as "critical", and could allow a hacker to gain remote control over a user's computer or install malicious code.

"As can be seen by this month's bunch of updates, Microsoft security patches aren't just important for Windows users. Apple business users would be wise to take heed of them to," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos. "As internet criminals become more organized and financially-motivated it is more important than ever to ensure that your business is properly defended with the latest patches."