XP flaw 'could let hackers take control'

Microsoft admitted today that its latest version of Windows had a security flaw which could allow hackers to seize control of a computer as soon as it is connected to the internet.

The discovery of the glitch in Windows XP comes two months after the software giant unveiled it and declared it the most secure ever. The flaw allows hackers to destroy data or steal information stored on the computer - including credit card details. Microsoft has released a free piece of new software to fix the mistake and has urged users to download it immediately.