Wellington-based security firm Dimension Data has recently revealed that its Security-Assessment division has found two "significant" vulnerabilities, in the Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) and Windows XP systems, which can enable remote parties to gain complete control of a target computer.

In the wake of the vulnerabilities, Dimension Data's General Manager Phil Goodwin said that a number of organizations - including Internet search giant Google - have been affected by IE security issues in the past; and added that security assistance team of the 1983-founded Dimension Data - which works with the Microsoft solutions of clients - had apprised Microsoft about the two vulnerabilities.

Goodwin also said that Microsoft had released a fix for both the vulnerabilities as part of its monthly `Patch Tuesday' security release, which was rolled out on February 12; and commended Microsoft for being "thorough in its response" whenever it is informed about any vulnerabilities.

Further adding that though Dimension Data "has no reason to believe that anyone has fallen victim to an attack, but similar security issues have been targeted in spear phishing attacks in the past," Goodwin said: "We strongly recommend users apply the patch made available through the Windows Update website, to ensure they aren't open to an attack."