Summary: Microsoft's security record (the one it is willing to disclosure) hits embarrassing levels while Marks and Spencer customers have their data exposed by a Windows shop

DESPITE Microsoft hiding its many flaws and misreporting the extent of the problem, some numbers do get out. Even if they are incomplete, they are eye-opening. "Microsoft prepping 17 patches for 64 holes," says CNET:

Microsoft will release 17 bulletins next week to fix 64 vulnerabilities across a swath of products including Windows, Office, and Internet Explorer, the company said in its Patch Tuesday preview.

Of the bulletins, nine are rated "critical" and eight are "important," the company said in a TechNet blog post today.

In addition to all versions of Windows; IE6, IE7, and IE8; numerous versions of Office for Windows and the Mac, affected software includes Visual Studio .NET and Visual C++, according to the advisory.

This is not the sort of problem which only affect naïve businesses and home users who accept a computer with Microsoft software forcibly bundled. As the MSBBC claims (without naming Windows or Microsoft), "Marks and Spencer customers have been warned to expect an increase in spam e-mail after hackers stole their details.

"The company has contacted users of its online service to warn them about the data breach, which was part of a wider attack on marketing firm Epsilon."

Epsilon is a Windows shop. ⬆