Much more 'patching' to come

The patching craze continues, as hackers and virus writers continue to expose the vulnerabilities and holes in operating systems and software applications.

What started out as just a Windows and Internet Explorer problem has expanded into Apple Mac OSX, Linux and Symbian OS (for mobile phones).

Is there no end to this? Apparently not.

Users ran away from Explorer's many 'unpatched holes' by switching to the free web browser, Firefox.

Over the past couple of weeks the Mozilla organization, responsible for overseeing the development of Firefox, has announced security updates and, the word we've all been afraid of hearing, patches!

Hackers continue to conquer new grounds, deciding to recently take aim at other non-browser based user activities on the Internet.

Attacks on messenger software is increasing, in fact sky-rocketing in the US, and there have been reports of hackers finding ways to penetrate supposedly trusted online music stores like
Apple iTunes and Real Media.

Songs delivered via supposedly these networks could now be vehicles for malicious code.

Even more horrendous are recent admissions by the makers of security and anti-virus software, Sophos and Symatec, that even there software includes flaws that could be utilized by hackers.

Even these companies are now patching up the software which was supposed to protect us from the mess we're already in.

So, there's much more patching on the horizon for PC users all over the world. The possibility of infection has increased because spyware and malware can infect your PC upon logging onto a site.

Even without downloading anything, your PC get infected with a trojan that will open the door to hackers, identity and credit card thieves and worms.

What's more, your machine could become a "zombie" which launches attacks on other machines.

Microsoft's next operating system, which used to be codenamed 'Longhorn' up until this week when the company revealed it had named it 'Windows Vista', is supposed to address the many security concerns and flaws that have plagued the life-time of Windows XP since its introduction some four years ago.

Microsoft is the first to admit that there are no 100 percent guarantees against hackers, spyware and viruses; but by producing a thoroughly tested and secure operating system, maybe Windows Vista will make less headlines in the coming years and could actually be the basis for proper system and software protection against the hazards of the Internet age.

Microsoft speak bravely about the future, saying that "we work to stay ahead of the hackers." If that is to be believed, we'd have a patch-less future.

Would anyone be willing to bet on that? I wouldn't.

zeid@maktoob.com