Security firms are already warning that Microsoft's Internet Explorer 7 may contain security vulnerabilities.

The browser has a stack of new features that will help bring it up to par with Mozilla's Firefox, including tabbed windows, integrated search and an RSS feed manager.

But, while there are also new security features, such as clearer signposting of secure sites and a new badge system to alert users to phishing sites, the overall security of the product itself is now under close scrutiny.

Less than 24 hours after launch, Danish security firm Secunia has issued a warning of a URL redirection error that could allow hackers to access documents served from other websites. 

One source told vnunet.com that users will need to be extra vigilant about the new browser and install patches as quickly as possible. 

"A new version of Internet Explorer is pretty much blood in the water for hackers, so getting new patches out is imperative," he said.

Stephan Glathe, chief technology officer at system management supplier Enteo Software, said: "Although companies can use the auto-update tools supplied with Microsoft programs, relying on users to activate them can be risky as most users will forget from time to time. 

"This results in a patchwork of updates and fixes across the business, which makes it exceedingly difficult to keep track of what has been applied where."

Glathe added that recent research from McAfee suggests that 45 per cent of European companies do not prioritise which security patches are applied to their systems.

"Many companies still rely on manual methods to apply these patches, which is time consuming and inefficient," he said.

"Unless a comprehensive distribution system is in place that can speedily prioritise and implement distribution, while recording exactly which PCs have been patched, companies are still at risk."