Microsoft have admitted that a security flaw in Windows operating systems have allowed the Duqu virus to run amok.

Microsoft issued a statement which reads “We are working diligently to address this issue and will release a security update for customers.”

Symantec found the virus in October and has been highlighted as a potential ‘next big cyber security threat' according to some experts. The virus shares some code with the Stuxnet worm, a high profile piece of code that targeted Iran's nuclear program. The difference with Duqu is that it can gather intelligence data from infected computers.

Symantec found that the Duqu software was infecting systems through a compromised Word Document which installs the malicious software after being opened.

Infections have been found in multiple countries, including France, Netherlands, Switzerland, India, Iran, Ukraine, Sudan and Vietnam.

Kitguru says: This looks to be a serious problem and one that Microsoft need to patch.

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