Critical Microsoft patches ready to roll

Of the eight security fixes at least half are to be rated critical, though, at the current time, Microsoft is releasing very little information on the exact nature of each patch.

The patches will be the first for two months after Microsoft decided not to release any in March.

Five of the patches apply to Microsoft Windows and there is a critical patch for Exchange, MSN Messenger and Office.

The Seattle-based software giant will also be releasing an update for Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool as well as two further, non-serious, software patches.

Earlier today SC reported Microsoft's update scheme was being manipulated by cyber-criminals in the form of in a plot using spam and spoofed websites.

Rich Kaplan, corporate vice president of Microsoft's Security Business & Technology Unit, will keynote the second night of the SC Forum and discuss such issues as Microsoft's patching process.

During his keynote, Kaplan will talk about his perspective on these industry-wide responsibilities, as well as the importance of continued innovation. He also will discuss Microsoft's efforts to advance its platform, products, and technologies in order to better protect customers. Anyone wanting to attend the event, from May 18 – 20, can click here.

www.microsoft.com