Web security firms pledge to patch XP 'vulnerability'

Chinese Internet security companies said on Monday they will provide further protections for Windows XP users after the first "serious vulnerability" was detected on the end-of-service operating system.

Beijing-based Qihoo 360 Technology Co Ltd, along with other Internet security providers, said they were aware of the risk and have offered new updates to repair the flaw.

FireEye Inc on Sunday reported the first Windows XP exploit that hackers could gain "full user permissions" through Microsoft's IE Web browser.

The hole will let hackers install programs and view and delete personal data by visiting a website, according to FireEye.

Roughly 15 to 25 percent of personal computers worldwide are still running on the Windows XP platform.

Microsoft suspended an update for Windows XP earlier this month in a bid to push users to new systems such as Windows 8.

But large numbers of Chinese users are still using the decade-old system.

Chinese anti-virus firms, including Qihoo, Kingsoft Co Ltd and Beijing Rising Information Technology Co Ltd, are providing technical support to XP system after the official updates stopped.