Hackers focus on desktop software

Apparently, Microsoft is doing a good job of fixing flaws in its Windows operating systems, because malicious hackers are no longer that interested in the OS. They're "now focusing on desktop software, like Web browsers and media players, that might not get fixed as frequently," Reuters reports, referring to a new report from the SANS Institute. "Many of the new flaws were found on products popular with home users," according to Reuters. "Flaws in media players like Apple Computer Inc.'s iTunes and RealNetworks Inc.'s RealPlayer could enable a hacker to get into a user's computer through a poisoned MP3 file. Users of Microsoft's Internet Explorer Web browser could be compromised simply by visiting a malicious Web site, SANS said. Even the open-source Mozilla and Firefox Web browser, which has gained in popularity thanks to security concerns, had flaws as well." Make a point of checking often for updates to FireFox and RealNetworks software. Apple and Microsoft issue fairly frequent updates for their desktop software.

Meanwhile this week, Microsoft will continue to provide security patches for all Windows users, but all other updates and add-ons to the operating system will now require verification (that one's copy of the operating system is "legit"), CNET reports. "Regardless of whether a system passes the test, security updates will be available to all Windows users via either manual download or automatic update. The Microsoft Update and Windows Update utilities, which provide notifications of new patches, will require validation." CNET goes on to say that this is part of Microsoft's "stepped up effort" to increase the number of users who are actually paying for its software. The company says about a third of Windows copies worldwide are pirated.