Flame virus find prompts Microsoft to boost Windows security

Discovery of Flame, the computer virus that mainly affected the Middle East, has prompted Microsoft to strengthen the security of a Windows program that helps customers secure their PCs and update software.

Mike Reavey, senior director of the Microsoft Security Response Centre, said the company plans to boost security measures on the Windows Update software that is included with the operating system that runs the majority of PCs.

Microsoft disclosed over the weekend the hackers who built Flame exploited a flaw in Windows that allowed them to trick PCs into believing it was a legitimate piece of software from Microsoft. The software was then downloaded onto computers using the Microsoft Update feature.