Experts at Sophos have advised computer users to apply a critical Microsoft security patch which protects against a vulnerability in the way Windows handles WMF graphic files.
Sophos has seen over 200 different attempts to infect innocent computer users using the flaw which has been public knowledge since late December 2005.
Unusually, Microsoft has issued the critical security update outside of its normal monthly update cycle. Originally Microsoft had indicated that it would not be issuing the patch until Tuesday 10 January, causing some in the security community to express concern that hackers would have a significant opportunity to infect Internet users.
Home users of Microsoft Windows can visit http://update.microsoft.com to have their systems scanned for critical Microsoft security vulnerabilities.
Experts at Sophos are reminding users that hackers are continuing to actively exploit the security hole, even though a fix is now available.
In the latest sighted attacks emails with the subject line "Happy New Year 2" have been spammed out, pointing users to a web site pretending to be an online e-card from 123greetings.com. However, the link really points to a malicious web site based in the Netherlands.
Further details of the patch are available under Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-001.
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