Microsoft is set to patch a record-tying high of 34 vulnerabilities in its operating systems this week, reports Computer Weekly. The number of fixes included in the updates equals records set by patches made in October 2009 and June 2010.
The security patches mainly address specific software vulnerabilities in Microsoft-developed software, rather than openings in the core operating system. As Computer Weekly notes, the patch is mainly in response to the shift in how hackers are attacking their victims.
Because Windows 7 and 2008 R2 have better security architecture, most of the fixes are for Windows XP users. Additionally, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office and Silverlight will also have security fixes across all platforms.
The latest fix comes a week after the software developer released an emergency update to address an additional vulnerability in the way desktop shortcuts are created.
While Microsoft makes an effort to address all security breaches in its software, it is inevitable that the firm will miss some. Many experts agree that the most effective way for consumers to protect themselves is by keeping their antivirus software updated.
I just got a buncha updates on my Windows 7 machine. I’m glad MS is keeping on top of things, but it’s still worrying that hackers keep finding vulnerabilities.