Microsoft has just released a patch for Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 which will close the Windows shortcut vulnerability.  This vulnerability enables hackers to take control of a computer using a loophole in the way Windows handles shortcuts.

The software update will patch a vulnerability in the way Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 handle shortcuts, also known as. lnk files. Microsoft said it had seen a significant “increase in attempts” by hackers over the last few days to take advantage of the loophole, which enables them to take control of a computer by tricking users in to clicking on infected shortcut links.

“We’re able to confirm that, in the past few days, we’ve seen an increase in attempts to exploit the vulnerability,” said Christopher Budd, a senior security response manager at Microsoft. “We firmly believe that releasing the update out-of-band is the best thing to do to help protect our customers.”

Windows users are advised to run the Windows Update procedure to install the patch and ensure their computer is protected against the vulnerability.

Microsoft first warned Windows users about the vulnerability on July 16. Security experts have advised Windows users to employ a “workaround solution” to tide them over until the patch has released. Microsoft released details of the temporary fix on its website, which showed users how to prevent. lnk folder icons from being displayed on their computer desktop.