A critical security vulnerability has been found in the web browser Opera. It allows attackers to infect the computer with manipulated websites, for example. An update is currently not available, so using for example Windows Browser Choice to temporarily switch to another web browser is a good idea.

The popular VLC media player also has to deal with a security vulnerability which allows attackers to smuggle in malware with specially prepared media files. Luckily, the version 1.1.6 of VLC is available already which fixes the issue. Users of VLC are advised to install the update as soon as possible!

Update 27.01.2011 11:00 a.m.: The new version 11.01 of the Opera web browser fixes the security vulnerability. Opera users should download and install the new release now!

Dirk Knop
Technical Editor