Windows is an attractive platform for the malware writers, in part, because of the sheer number of users. As Microsoft creep towards making their offerings more secure, applications are increasingly becoming the focus for vulnerability exploitation.

Like Windows, Adobe products are a default software choice for most users. The bad guys know this and realise that its profitable to scrutinise their applications for exploitable vulnerabilities and create malware to take advantage of the fact.

In a recent article by CBC News more security and privacy concerns for companies, and possibly individuals, have been highlighted.

The problem centers around your disused photocopier. Since modern photocopiers contain hard drives for storing the information they scan this information is available long after you have forgotten all about it.

So, you’ve just bought a new PC or installed a fresh version of Windows. The simple fact is it's not as secure as it could be.

It doesn’t take much to tighten up your PC’s defenses - even if your computer has been up and running for a while, it’s not too late to carry out a security audit on your machine.

You probably wouldn’t leave your house without checking the windows are closed and the doors are locked. Why would you do that? Well, to stop someone breaking in and stealing your stuff or to prevent people just walking in and spray painting the walls.

Microsoft have released a number of patches to fix recently reported vulnerabilities within Windows, Office and Internet Explorer. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to gain control of your computer or cause it to crash.

More information about what has been patched is available from Microsoft's 10th October Security Bulletin here: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms10-oct.mspx

If you don't have automatic updates enabled, install the updates by visiting https://www.update.microsoft.com

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month so we thought we'd contribute by providing some practical, easy to digest and useful information on how to strengthen your PC's defences against attacks.

I'll be discussing what to secure and exactly how to do it, focusing on the ‘how’ more than the ‘why’. Just follow along - it’s easy. Here's what will be covered in some upcoming blogs: