Received this news release from Kaspersky on the vulnerability of leaving your computer without updated software. It shows just how easy someone can transmit viruses to your computer if you are not careful.
Failure to Update Software Leaves Millions of Computers Vulnerable
Over 30 Million Vulnerabilities found on computers worldwide – leaving them exposed to cyber attacks
November 29, 2010 [Singapore]: More than 32 million unresolved vulnerabilities have been detected on users’ computers, leaving them wide open to malicious attacks by cybercriminals.
The disturbing statistic was released today by Kaspersky Lab – a leading developer of secure content and threat management solutions.
And the reason why so many vulnerabilities exist is because computer users are not updating their software. Software vendors have distributed patches to fix many of the most widespread vulnerabilities as long ago as 2007.
“By failing to install the latest updates, users are exposing themselves to an enormous risk and making light work for the cybercriminals seeking to exploit these vulnerabilities,” said Jimmy Fong, Channel Sales Director of Kaspersky Lab, Southeast Asia.
“Failure to update explains why exploits for patched vulnerabilities are still among the most widespread malicious programs detected on users’ computers,” Mr Fong said.
Vulnerabilities are flaws in software code found in almost every type of software program. Cybercriminals use exploits to take advantage of these vulnerabilities and infect a users’ computer with specific malicious threats.
As a rule, all malicious actions take place in the background, without a user ever noticing. Unless the actions cause the computer to crash, the average user will never suspect that they have become the victim of a cyber attack.
A worrying trend is the way cybercriminals are continuously extend their reach and identifying new vulnerabilities in popular programs.
“Previously, cybercriminals mainly targeted vulnerabilities in the MS Windows family of operating systems. Now they have extended their attacks to include Adobe Products such as Flash Player and Adobe Reader,” Mr Fong said.
“In order to combat this, a new product called Adobe Updater was released which automatically downloads and installs patches for programs installed on users’ computers. The problem is that these updates become a useless defense against cybercriminals if users’ do not play their part and actually install the latest updates,” Mr. Fong said.
Users can avoid incurring infections caused by attacks on vulnerable software by following the basic rules of computer security:
- Regularly check for software updates;
- Install updates as soon as they are released;
- Do not click on unknown links or open emails that appear in your inbox if you do not know or trust the sender; and
- Use browsers with inbuilt filters that block phishing and other malicious websites such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer.
About Kaspersky Lab
Kaspersky Lab delivers the world’s most immediate protection against IT security threats, including viruses, spyware, crimeware, hackers, phishing, and spam. Kaspersky Lab is one of the top vendors of information security solutions in the world. The company’s products and technologies are used by over 250 million people worldwide, its technology is licensed by leading security vendors globally. The Kaspersky Lab group of companies is headquartered in Moscow, has five regional divisions including Southeast Asia and numerous local offices throughout the world. You can learn more about Kaspersky Lab by visiting www.kaspersky-sea.com. For the latest on anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and other IT security issues and trends, please visit www.viruslist.com.
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© 2009 Kaspersky Lab. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for Kaspersky Lab products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. Kaspersky Lab shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
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