Posted by The Blogging Desk on Mon, Apr 11, 2011
- by Chad, "The Dream", Weaver
Patch day, we all know that Microsoft likes to issue their patches on Tuesdays but this coming edition is something special. Microsoft just announced that this coming patch day will be a whopping patching 64 flaws in 17 patches, total setting a new record for most patches issued during a normal patch cycle by a good number I believe it is somewhere in the 20+ range from the previous record holding week. They are patching multiple parts of the OS including IE and MHTML which they had issued a security bulletin. As Microsoft customers it is pressing to get patches tested and in place as soon as possible.
Of the 64 flaws being corrected, 9 are rated critical, and apparently all but two of these flaws allow remote code execution. In the past Microsoft has been criticized for not taking fast enough steps to keep the OS patched and secure. In recent times even with these big patch days they are taking a much more serious stance on fixing and preventing exploitation of issues before they can become too widespread. I can’t stress enough that keeping your OS updated is one of the most important thing that you can do to keep your computer and organization safe from the threats that do exist.
One thing to note to be aware of is that after these patches are released they are looked at critically by the folks making the malicious software, allowing them to create exploits directed at what the patches are fixing with the assumption that it will take a while for everyone to catch up with the patch cycle, and catching people that lag behind. So when you PC alert you to the fact that you need to patch your OS please don’t put it off go get some coffee or something to eat and enjoy the peace of mind that a properly patched OS can impart on you.
