Cisco has released its twice-yearly set of security updates for its switches and routers. Cisco has released its twice-yearly set of security updates for its switches and routers.There are six advisories in all, each one covering a different component of the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS), which powers the routers. They cover IOS components such as Cisco’s VPN software, the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), and Internet Group Management Protocol, and Network Address Translation (NAT) software.Released Wednesday, the updates fix 12 bugs. An attacker could possibly leverage some of them to crash the router, Cisco says.Cisco releases these large bundles of IOS security patches on preset dates, twice a year, to make it easier for network administrators to plan their updates. The next set of patches is due March 23.Robert McMillan covers computer security and general technology breaking news for The IDG News Service. Follow Robert on Twitter at @bobmcmillan. Robert’s e-mail address is robert_mcmillan@idg.com Related content news UK Cyber Security Council CEO reflects on a year of progress Professor Simon Hepburn sits down with broadcaster ITN to discuss Council’s work around cybersecurity professional standards, careers and learning, and outreach and diversity. By Michael Hill Sep 27, 2023 3 mins Government Government Government news FIDO Alliance certifies security of edge nodes, IoT devices Certification demonstrates that products are at low risk of cyberthreats and will interoperate securely. By Michael Hill Sep 27, 2023 3 mins Certifications Internet Security Security Hardware news analysis Web app, API attacks surge as cybercriminals target financial services The financial services sector has also experienced an increase in Layer 3 and Layer 4 DDoS attacks. By Michael Hill Sep 27, 2023 6 mins Financial Services Industry Cyberattacks Application Security news Immersive Labs adds custom 'workforce exercising' for each organizational role With the new workforce exercising capability, CISOs will be able to see each role’s cybersecurity readiness, risk areas, and exercise progress. By Shweta Sharma Sep 27, 2023 3 mins Security Software Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe