For Windows Users, a New Virus Scare

Security experts are buzzing about a newly exposed—and, some say, potentially catastrophic—vulnerability in Microsoft’s Windows operating system. The security hole, discovered last week, allows hackers to infect computers by sneaking malicious code into harmless-looking image files. In the past, computers have contracted viruses when users unwittingly downloaded or executed corrupted files; now Windows machines could be infected by images that appear in pop-up ads or instant messages. (Financial Times)

Microsoft officials say they’re working on a patch that would seal up the security hole, but it might not be ready until January 10. In the meantime, some colleges may be battening down the hatches, but others say their existing antivirus practices should be enough to get them through the next week.