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Microsoft to issue fixes for Word
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newsbyte on 09 May, 2008 06:13:57
 
IT WATCH / K.Venugopal
Microsoft is issuing several security patches next week to fix vulnerabilities
in Word, Publisher and Jet database software.
Another update will be issued for Microsoft’s anti-vir-us products, which can
be exploited by hackers. The software major will release the updates on Tuesday.
In a statement on its website, Micros-oft said that hackers had found a way to
force in malicious jet files with an mdb extension by fooling Outlook. This
affects Windows XP too.
Similarly, MS has also termed the flaw in Word as critical. The bug in the
security system has been affecting many appl-ications including Windows Defender
and OneCare. Meanwhile, it has also provided download for its final service pack
for XP.
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Fake MP3 create havoc
Booby-trapped files masquerading as mp3 songs are doing the rounds in the
Internet.
Security firm McAfee said that more than 5,00,000 computers users were fooled
by the fake files in the last one week.
Several thousands of them also ran the files in their computers opening the
gates for irritating adware and pop-ups.
The files appear in various names including girls aloud, changing times earth
wind, heartbroken fast and have been gallivanting in major file sharing networks
such as eDonkey and Limewire. Some of the files masquerade as pornographic clips
and short movies to entice users.
McAfee claims that this was the largest such attack in the last three years.
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MySpace to share data
Social networking site MySpace has decided to allow users to share their
personal data with other websites incl-uding Yahoo, Twitter, eBay and
Photobucket.
MySpace has been highly protective of its members so far and had refused to
share data with other sites.
Now that it has opened its doors, members can share everything from photos,
videos, write-ups and friends’ lists with other sites.
MySpace says that the initiative puts users in the driver’s seat of their
data and web identity.
In fact, MySpace has become so liberal that it is even ready to exchange
information with its arch rival Facebook.
Analysts say that the move will give MySpace the opportunity to reach out to
more people.