Microsoft has launched its biggest ever IT security update this month on what is known in the industry as Patch Tuesday.

These updates typically take place on the second Tuesday of every month by Microsoft.

What makes Octobers so different is that there are 13 bulletins that between them will sort out 34 known issues.

Microsoft has rated eight of the bulletins as critical - the most serious sort of vulnerability.

The security patches will close loopholes in many different programs including different editions of Windows, Internet Explorer and some elements of Office.

Windows, given its widespread adoption, is by far the most popular target for cyber criminals and the vast majority of the millions of malicious programs, including worms and trojans, are aimed at the operating system.

Darren Beggan of Emnico Technologies said: "Patch Tuesdays are always interesting for pro-active IT companies to administer but this is the biggest one of its kind.

"We have seen so many IT Networks across Swindon missing critical updates and advised businesses on how simple it is to keep up to date. Given the number of critical security patches being released by Microsoft we would recommend that businesses check to see where they are at.

"You can do this via the Microsoft website, www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com which will scan your machine and tell you what updates, if any, are outstanding.

"Alternatively talk to your IT Company as they should be pro-actively updating these for you?"

Emnico Technologies, a Microsoft Certified Partner and Microsoft Small Business Specialist, provides pro-active IT Services to SMEs in Swindon and along the M4 corridor.

More information about Emnico can be found at www.emnico.com or 01793 614700.