Next Microsoft Patch Tuesday: This Year's Biggest
Microsoft will release critical updates for six security issues next Tuesday.
This Patch Tuesday will include a controversially delayed Mac MS Office fix, but won't solve a recently discovered directx flaw for Quicktime files.
Biggest Monthly Update This Year
The monthly update, which will be biggest so far this year, will contain critical fixes for Windows, Internet Explorer, Word and Excel in particular, and Office in general.
In all cases, hackers could gain remote control of an affected computer. The Internet Explorer issue appears particularly serious as it reportedly affects all editions, even the recently released version 8. (Source: computerworld.com)
Mac Office Finally Patched
The updates will include a Mac fix for a problem which affected both Windows and Mac editions of Office.
Microsoft issued a Windows fix last month, but announced it did not have a Mac solution ready, which caused some hostility. While Microsoft argued that it was better to protect as many users as possible rather than wait until it could help everyone, critics argued that doing so put Mac users at extra risk by publicizing the unplugged security loophole.
This caused anger among security researchers who say they are pressured by Microsoft to not reveal bugs. Fortunately, on this occasion it doesn't appear as if hackers were able to take advantage and launch successful attacks.
No Quick Fix For QuickTime Bug
Microsoft doesn't yet have a fix for a problem with DirectShow, a system used for handling video and graphics when watching streaming videos (that is, ones users watch online rather than downloading first). The bug involves the way the system handles QuickTime files, a format developed by Apple.
Although there's no Quicktime fix available yet, users can download a tool to work around the problem. This tool prevents computers automatically playing QuickTime movies (and potentially opening a computer up to hackers). Link:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971778
While using this tool, users won't be able to play QuickTime movies on webpages, and will need to either find a different format where available, or download the QuickTime video to their computer and watch in a standalone player. (Source: zdnet.com)
Most popular articles
- Which Processor is Better: Intel or AMD? - Explained
- How to Prevent Ransomware in 2018 - 10 Steps
- 5 Best Anti Ransomware Software Free
- How to Fix: Computer / Network Infected with Ransomware (10 Steps)
- How to Fix: Your Computer is Infected, Call This Number (Scam)
- Scammed by Informatico Experts? Here's What to Do
- Scammed by Smart PC Experts? Here's What to Do
- Scammed by Right PC Experts? Here's What to Do
- Scammed by PC / Web Network Experts? Here's What to Do
- How to Fix: Windows Update Won't Update
- Explained: Do I need a VPN? Are VPNs Safe for Online Banking?
- Explained: VPN vs Proxy; What's the Difference?
- Explained: Difference Between VPN Server and VPN (Service)
- Forgot Password? How to: Reset Any Password: Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10
- How to: Use a Firewall to Block Full Screen Ads on Android
- Explained: Absolute Best way to Limit Data on Android
- Explained: Difference Between Dark Web, Deep Net, Darknet and More
- Explained: If I Reset Windows 10 will it Remove Malware?
My name is Dennis Faas and I am a senior systems administrator and IT technical analyst specializing in cyber crimes (sextortion / blackmail / tech support scams) with over 30 years experience; I also run this website! If you need technical assistance , I can help. Click here to email me now; optionally, you can review my resume here. You can also read how I can fix your computer over the Internet (also includes user reviews).
We are BBB Accredited
We are BBB accredited (A+ rating), celebrating 21 years of excellence! Click to view our rating on the BBB.