Record Microsoft Patch Tuesday Ahead

Administrators, get your rest this weekend. According to Microsoft's advanced warning, next Tuesday is going to be a record-setter when it comes to software vulnerability updates.According to the software maker, there will be a total of 49 vulnerabilities covered in 16 separate security bulletins next week. Microsoft ranked 4 of those bulletins as "critical" (its most severe rating), 10 as important, and 2 as moderate.

The flaws will affect versions of Windows, Internet Explorer, Office, and .NET Framework. Groove Server and Microsoft SharePoint will also be updated.

Nine of the bulletins address flaws that could be remotely exploited by attackers.

There is reasoning behind the madness of such a large vulnerability dump. Many companies, such as those involved in retail, eCommerce, and financial services, lock down their infrastructures as the holiday shopping season swings into full steam and the year itself winds down.

While it's not much solace now, it does mean November and December shouldn't be so patch abundant.

For more information, visit Microsoft's advanced notification site.

As always, Microsoft will host a webcast for anyone who has questions, the Wednesday immediately following Patch Tuesday.

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