Switcheroo! Apple Patches, Microsoft Passes

While Patch Tuesday came and went with Microsoft deploying no critical security updates, Microsoft didn't leave I.T. admins sitting on their hands. Redmond released a new version of the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool and several other software updates. Apple, meanwhile, released a slew of patches for Mac OS X to plug 45 holes, including several zero-day vulnerabilities.

If Microsoft Relevant Products/Services's monthly Patch Tuesday failed to grab I.T.'s attention, Apple Computer added some excitement to the security Relevant Products/Services world on the notorious day.

Microsoft typically releases security fixes the second Tuesday of each month. For the first time in 18 months, however, Microsoft canceled its scheduled security update, despite at least five zero-day software vulnerabilities that leave a back door open to hackers.

A Microsoft spokesperson said the company needed more time to develop fixes for known flaws and is continuing to investigate potential and existing vulnerabilities.

"Creating security updates that effectively and comprehensively fix vulnerabilities is an extensive process involving a series of sequential steps," said the spokesperson. "All updates need to meet testing standards in order to be released. This ensures that our customers can confidently install these updates in their environment."

Although no critical patches were deployed this week, Microsoft didn't leave I.T. administrators sitting on their hands. God forbid. Redmond released an updated version of its Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool, along with two high-priority, nonsecurity updates for Windows through the Windows Update and Software Update services and four high-priority, nonsecurity updates through Microsoft Update and Windows Server Update services.

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