Uptick in Windows attacks reported
Several security experts are warning of increased cyberattacks targeting Windows PCs, but Microsoft says all is calm on the attack front.
The SANS Internet Storm Center, Symantec, McAfee and several other security companies are warning of a new worm that wriggles into Windows PCs by way of a security flaw for which Microsoft issued a patch with security bulletin MS06-040 on Aug. 8.
On Thursday, Symantec raised its ThreatCon to Level 2, which means an outbreak is expected. In an alert to customers, the Cupertino, Calif.-based company said it is seeing "ongoing and frequent attacks" that utilize the MS06-040 flaw. There are now six variants of malicious code that exploit the vulnerability, Symantec said.
"The potential impact of these threats is exaggerated due to reports of successful compromise of Windows NT systems, for which there is no patch available," Symantec said in its alert. Windows 2000 and Windows XP are also at risk, according to Symantec.
