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Analyst: Microsoft Security Holes on Increase

Microsoft Corp. has released 30 percent more security patches this year than last year, according to an analyst group, which says “the burgeoning popularity of all things Windows make Microsoft and its products more frequent targets.”

The report, by Giga Information Group’s Laura DiDio, says that two security patches released by Redmond last week bring the total to 90 this year, compared with 62 patches released last year.

The patches last week both related to Windows Media Player, although they were separate problems. In both cases, however, the Media Player software could enable hackers to run programs on other users’ PCs. “It continues the disturbing trend, common to nearly all security flaws, of invading a network and/or individual PC and making unwanted changes,” states the report. It rates the seriousness of the security hole at 5 on a 1-10 scale.

Ironically, DiDio says that the increase in security patches could be seen as a positive for Microsoft: “Microsoft has become much more security conscious in the latest versions of all its software patches and more pro-active in responding quickly to correct reported flaws.”

The report also warns that each company has to take responsibility for its own security. “Know what’s on your network and PCs. Keep up-to-date on the latest patches and fixes and perform regular risk analysis and assessments of your site. In the final analysis, it’s your data -- if  you don’t defend it, no one else will.” -- Keith Ward

About the Author

Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.

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