Johannesburg, 19 Aug 2005
Sophos has conducted a Web poll of more than 1 000 business PC users, which revealed that 35% of respondents are blaming Microsoft for the recent spate of worm attacks. The worms exploit a newly discovered vulnerability in Microsoft`s code.
Systems administrators are also taking some of the blame, with 20% of respondents indicating dissatisfaction as systems are not being patched quickly enough. And 45% of the respondents are holding the virus writers to blame for the 17 worms that are all taking advantage of the flaw.
Microsoft faces a considerable challenge in its aim to present itself as a security company, Sophos believes. In another survey carried out by Sophos, only 28% of respondents rated Microsoft as their most trusted operating system when it comes to security, while 47% believe Linux and Unix are the most secure.
"Sophos has detected and protected against another five worms, in the last 12 hours, which exploit the same vulnerability. This brings the total number to 17, all of which exploit the same hole to infiltrate businesses and seize control over users` PCs," says Brett Myroff, CEO of local Sophos distributor, NetXactics. Businesses which have been hit hard in the last few days include CNN, Financial Times and New York Times.
"As Microsoft tries to establish itself as a serious player in the security market, these flaws are most likely going to present an ongoing problem," says Myroff.
Sophos has indicated that organisations are best advised to ensure the necessary patches against Microsoft security holes are implemented, and to protect all tiers of their organisation with anti-virus software and automated updates to reduce the risk of infection.
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