Microsoft has released a patch that will fix a vulnerability that leads your computer into the wrong hands.

The vulnerability pertains to a Windows graphics format (WMF) that is used by Internet Explorer, Windows Picture and Fax Viewer, and other graphics-related products both Microsoft and third party (including Firefox and Opera browsers).

When an attacker tricks a user into opening a malicious file in this graphics format, the vulnerability could allow the download of keyloggers, spyware, adware, and even remote operating tools onto the user's system. This could lead to a hacker taking complete control of her computer.

Microsoft had originally planned to make the patch available as part of its monthly security update on Jan. 10 to allow sufficient testing. Because of the extreme nature of the vulnerability, the company, under pressure from the IT community to release it immediately, sped up its testing process, and released the patch on Thursday.

An earlier version had been prematurely posted on an independent Web site. Experts recommend not using the earlier patch; and suggest using the official Microsoft release instead. If you don't have Automatic Updates enabled on your Windows system, run Windows Update at your next opportunity.

Information, Protection and Prevention -- More about the WMF file vulnerability
• Microsoft Security Post

• Ideas for protection until Tuesday - Internet Storm Center

• Panda Software Definition

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* Reading: Solutions, Prevention & Remedies
Additional summary information related to a specific type of solution or prevention that you should be considering. Depending upon the week, this section may have:
• Recent Windows security releases from Microsoft
• Recent updates to widely used anti-spyware programs
• Recent updates to widely used anti-virus programs
• Recent updates to other security programs & devices (ex: Firewalls, routers)
• Recent updates to various applications in wide use

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Read: Top Threats
These are viruses that are currently on the watch lists of major anti-virus software companies.

Name
What the threat is called. We use the name given each virus by Panda Software. Sometimes other anti-virus companies give the same threat a different name. Usually they use similar names.

Type
There are different characteristics associated with different types of threats.
• Virus - has the ability to replicate or infect computers or other programs
• Trojan Horse (or Trojan) - appear to be harmless programs when you get them. They unleash their payload when you double-click, open, or execute them.
• Phishing - a Web site or e-maill message posing as another company - usually one you know to fool you into giving the sender personal information.
• Worm - self replicates onto additional disks, computers or networks
• Spyware - installs on your system to collect information about your activity, preferences or interests
• Hoax - false messages sent by e-maill to mislead the recipient
• Backdoors - opens a security hole that allows outsiders to take control of your computer
• Dialer - uses your telephone to dial an outside number - sometimes a number that costs you money when dialed

Affects
Not all viruses affect all types of systems. Some, for example may affect only Windows 98 and 95, but not Windows XP or NT. Others affect all Windows systems, but not Macintosh. In this column, we show you the consumer systems that the threat is known to affect. We don't always include the servers that operate in your company's backroom.

Alert level
The level of awareness that anti-virus vendors suggest you need to have for each threat listed.
For each threat listed, we'll post a corresponding link here, so you can get more information to help you recognize, diagnose, prevent, and repair the problem.