Microsoft has rolled out a new patch to plug 19 security holes that affect multiple Windows versions. The patch is released to address ActiveX vulnerabilities, Web Server vulnerabilities, and other serious bugs on Workstation.
ActiveX allows programmers to assign a much higher privilege to their software that run on Windows, and only Windows can use ActiveX. This is why ActiveX is powerful and dangerous for computer users that are using Windows. Not yet patch ActiveX can be dangerous as it allows hackers to install malicious software, virus, and worms onto Windows. If you’re not heavily using ActiveX and not visiting strange websites often, then you can use your router to block all ActiveX connection if your router permits this specific action. Unfortunately, updating Windows with the latest patch requires you to enable ActiveX connection, and if your router blocks ActiveX connection, then you can’t get the latest patch to secure your Windows.
Another noteworthy security issue is related to Windows Media. A serious bug that allows hackers to trick Windows users to open up infected AVI files with Windows Media, and this hack will allow hackers to have a control of your computer. AVI files are pretty popular, though Flash (flv) files are more dominant on the Web now a day, but still, many web services are still providing a choice between playing videos using Flash or AVI. This is why you need to update your Windows with the new Microsoft’s patch.
Web Server’s related vulnerabilities are also very important as the servers are the plots that plants grow on — meaning that if a server is infected with a virus or a worm, that virus or worm can replicate itself onto Windows users’ computers. Windows users who have always been careful by applying new security patches are safe from this situation, but not everyone is updating their Windows with the latest patches. It’s very important for websites that are running Windows servers to update with the newest patch so they can provide virus-free and worm-free services to all.
Vinh Nguyen
