When this story was originally reported it misstated the number of security updates expected from Microsoft next Tuesday. There will be 12 updates. The story has been corrected. Microsoft plans to release 12 sets of security patches next Tuesday fixing critical vulnerabilities in a number of its products, including the company’s new security software.The bulk of the patches will fix flaws in the Windows operating system and Office, Microsoft said in a statement published Thursday on its website. Five of the updates will be for Windows, and two of them will be for Office. Microsoft also plans to release one less-critical update that addresses flaws in both Windows and Office.The patches will be released as part of Microsoft’s monthly cycle of security updates. There will also be patches for Microsoft’s Step-by-Step Interactive Training, Microsoft Data Access Components, and an update that covers both Windows and Visual Studio.Finally, Microsoft will publish an update that patches critical flaws in its Windows Live OneCare, Antigen, Windows Defender and ForeFront security software. The Office patches have been anticipated, as online criminals have been exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities in Word and Excel for several months. These attacks, which are occurring on a limited scale according to Microsoft, try to trick the victim into opening a maliciously coded Office attachment in order to compromise the PC. — Robert McMillan, IDG News Service (San Francisco Bureau)Related Links: Microsoft Windows Vista: The OS Has LandedMicrosoft Office Antipiracy Checks to Become Mandatory Related content Feature Industry clouds prove their business value Born of partnerships and ecosystem-centric by their nature, cloud solutions aimed at specific verticals are taking root, forming a complex, rapidly evolving market CIOs must be strategic about entering. By Paula Rooney Mar 24, 2023 7 mins Cloud Computing Feature What is data governance? Best practices for managing data assets Data governance defines roles, responsibilities, and processes for ensuring accountability for and ownership of data assets across the enterprise. By Thor Olavsrud Mar 24, 2023 10 mins IT Governance Frameworks Big Data Data Mining BrandPost Stay in Control of Your Data with a Secure and Compliant Sovereign Cloud By Stan Kwong Mar 23, 2023 6 mins Cloud Security Cloud Computing News Accenture to lay off 19,000 to cut costs amid economic uncertainty Technology services giant Accenture will continue to hire but meanwhile is cutting staff to streamline operations in the face of economic headwinds. By Anirban Ghoshal Mar 23, 2023 2 mins IT Consulting Services Technology Industry Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe