NetFlash: Delayed patch ends Microsoft’s patch-free month early

It certainly is an odd scenario when a company makes news for NOT doing something. But then again, Microsoft isn’t your average company.

Case in point: This week the software giant made news by saying it wouldn’t have a security patch release in December. For a company that seems to come out with a security patch at the drop of a hat – 52 so far this year – that’s news. (In fact Microsoft used to release a weekly patch update but changed it to monthly in October for fear of overload.)

Of course, no sooner had Microsoft made that proclamation did its automated patching system kick out a patch (see story below). Ironically, Microsoft said a flaw in its system delayed the delivery of the previously released patch. The company’s automated excuse making machine seems to work just fine though.

Anyway, barring any other mysterious patches in the pipeline or problems (see related story below) Microsoft said system administrators can expect a security update from Microsoft on Jan. 13, but added that doesn’t mean patch managers can sign off and hit the shopping mall or relax at home. Like they could or would.

Delayed patch ends Microsoft’s patch-free month early

A glitch in Microsoft’s Windows Update automated patching service caused a security fix that was released last month to be delivered to computer users  on Tuesday, the same day Microsoft proclaimed December would be a patch-free month.

https://www.nwfusion.com/news/2003/1211delaypatch.html

IE glitch gives spoofers powerful tool

A newly discovered vulnerability in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser could be a powerful new tool for scammers, allowing them to convincingly mask the real origin of Web pages used to trick targets into revealing sensitive information.

https://www.nwfusion.com/news/2003/1210ieglitc.html

AT&T launches new VoIP services, targets consumers

AT&T this week said it is aggressively expanding its voice-over-IP services with a new focus on consumers.

https://www.nwfusion.com/edge/news/2003/1211attlaunc.html

New WLAN product links central and remote sites

A new wireless LAN access point is designed so that users in remote offices can be managed by a wireless switch in a central site.

https://www.nwfusion.com/news/2003/1210airespace.html