Windows remains the number one operating system in the world, which also makes it the most targeted platform, due to its consistent popularity.
As a result, new security bugs and vulnerabilities are discovered regularly, while security researchers working for competing companies often help Microsoft make its products more secure.
Tavis Ormandyis a well-known Google security engineer who has revealed several critical vulnerabilities in Windows, and one of the few who "forced" the company to patch its software faster.
Ormandy identified a critical vulnerability in Microsoft's anti-malware engine, software used in several of the company's products, including Windows Defender and Security Essentials, which are designed to protect users.
The engineer discovered the vulnerability last week and contacted Microsoft to take the necessary steps to fix it. The company responded immediately and urgently released a new update for all Windows clients, including XP computers with Security Essentials installed.
