Microsoft has released a security memo listed off a series of security updates in a patch that can be applied to Windows XP, Vista and 7, as well as a number of components within those operating systems. In all, they should take care of 11 reported vulnerabilities within the software, and help to protect against the Stuxnet worm.
The Stuxnet worm has been a cause of a lot of concern in industrial circles, as the first bit of malware to specifically target industrial systems. It works by passing through USB drives and infecting computers within manufacturing plants.
So far, the majority of the computers targeted seem to be in India, Iran and Indonesia, according to Symantec, but it has been spreading more and more over the last few months. Outside of those countries, the United States is among one of the most heavily affected now.
“Unfortunately, worms are like zombies; you can’t really kill them but you can make them weaker, and this patch does exactly that,” nCircle director of security Andrew Storms was quoted as saying by Information Week.
You can find a full list of the patch capabilities, as well as a link to the download, at the official Microsoft security brief here. They provide an explanation of each one, as well as whether or not they are important or critical updates.
Those who are running PC’s not related to manufacturing computers should not ignore the updates. The Stuxnet worn is only one of the issues, with more pressing problems including the Print Spooler service impersonation among other still posing some threat to systems.
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