Can viruses be downloaded with Windows Updates?

I read that someone was infected with a virus after downloading the latest Windows Updates. It apparently deletes data from your computer. Is this possible, or did they just get it elsewhere and it’s a coincidence?

Are these updates necessary, or is it best just to ignore them?

Very unlikely, and coincidental.
Yes, you do need the Windows updates.

Hi S-100,

Actually Windows need to update regularly regarding to vulnerability their have.

And if sometimes after you update windows, then at that MS Update package have a vulnerability. You probably got infected too, so my recommendation is keep update your windows vulnerability and protect with Gateway Firewall and Desktop protection.

Like example, i got information from one vendor about Microsoft vulnerability by yesterday :

Critical

MS09-071 - Vulnerabilities in Internet Authentication Service Could Allow Remote Code Execution (974318)
MS09-072 - Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (976325)
MS09-074 - Vulnerability in Microsoft Office Project Could Allow Remote Code Execution (967183)

Important

MS09-069 - Vulnerability in Local Security Authority Subsystem Service Could Allow Denial of Service (974392)
MS09-070 - Vulnerabilities in Active Directory Federation Services Could Allow Remote Code Execution (971726)
MS09-073 - Vulnerability in WordPad and Office Text Converters Could Allow Remote Code Execution (975539)

These mean we need to up to date our microsoft.

Hope you understand this security attacks and vulnerability.

Beware Fake Windows Update Sites
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2256892,00.asp

Spotted in the Wild: Rogue Microsoft Update Site
http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/archives/00001374.html

No. They are sent out by Microsoft and they verify it before releasing the update.