Developing an advanced security patch and vulnerability management strategy: Neal Gemassmer,...

In the first two quarters of 2005 more than 3,780 software vulnerabilities were reported, leaving a wide range of system components and software open to exploits. With the popular operating systems often the key target of worm and virus writers, the majority of businesses are left open to attacks.

For example, the August print spooler flaw identified by Microsoft's monthly security update left businesses using the Windows server vulnerable to losing complete control of the infected system, as an exploit would then have free range to view, change or delete data; or crea