Microsoft readies critical patch release

Latest alerts include seven fixes for the Windows operating system

Microsoft is preparing to release 10 security alerts on 14 June as part of its monthly update cycle.

The alerts include seven fixes for the Windows operating system, at least one of which is ranked as 'critical'. The company also warned that one alert for Exchange is deemed 'important'.

The remaining alerts are of 'moderate' risk and affect Windows Services for Unix, ISA Server and Small Business Server.

'Critical' vulnerabilities put users at risk of being infected by malware without any user interaction. The 'important' label is given to holes that require user interaction such as opening an email attachment, but can still expose data or affect the system.

Together with the 10 patches, Microsoft plans to release an updated version of its Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool which detects and removes malicious code such as spyware.

Microsoft released the early alert about the upcoming patches to help system administrators prepare for the monthly patch cycle every second Tuesday of the month.

The software vendor has also planned a one-hour webcast for IT professionals that will be broadcast online on 15 June at 7 PM GMT to provide further details about the security bulletin and address user questions.