Serious Security Vulnerability Found in Adobe Reader

A hacker has discovered a serious security vulnerability in Adobe Reader 8.1 for Windows XP that allows malicious software to silently load itself into your computer, writes Wired (via Mashable).

PC security is compromised by the bug when the user views a PDF file in Adobe Reader. Simply by loading a PDF or visiting a Web page that embeds one, the user opens up their system to attack. Until Adobe releases an updated version of their Adobe Reader software, use caution when downloading PDF files. Like e-mail attachments, only accept PDF files from trusted sources.

Wired notes that this bug is similar to a recently discovered Firefox bug that made computers vulnerable to malware. Mozilla has since fixed the issue. If you are a Firefox user, I suggest you upgrade immediately.