Microsoft Watch - Desktop/Mobile - First Wave of Botnet Attacks Hits Windows

First Wave of Botnet Attacks Hits Windows

Written By
Mary Jo
Mary Jo
Aug 14, 2006
1 minute read
eWeek content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More

As predicted, hackers have begun exploiting the Windows vulnerability that Microsoft patched last week as part of security bulletin MS06-040. Unpatched Windows 2000 machines are being hijacked for use in IRC-controlled botnets. More attacks on other flavors of Windows could occur in cases where the MS06-040 patches are not applied. It’s not just Windows that is vulnerable to attacks, lately, however. Attacks against just about all of Microsoft’s Office apps are growing briskly. In 2005, Microsoft shipped patches for five Office flaws, total. In the first eight months of 2006, that number already is at 24.

eWeek Logo

eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site's focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.