If you’re using the web browser Microsoft Internet Explorer (which 7 out of 10 internet users are) then you are exposing yourself to a SERIOUS security risk – even if you’re using the most recent version!
The Guardian reports:
Users of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer have been warned of a flaw that could let hackers gain access to their computers and steal personal data, and told them to swap to a rival browser.
The flaw was spotted last week when hackers started attacking users of IE 7. The flaw, however, has also been found in earlier versions of Microsoft’s browser, IE 5 and IE 6.
The Guardian reports that so far, the security hole has only been exploited to steal computer code from rival gamers – but a security hole is a security hole and once the dam has been breached – expects other data to “leak”.
Chris over at Monty’s Mega Marketing blog warns:
The flaw in IE allows criminals to gain control of computers that have visited a website infected with malicious code designed to exploit it. While restricting web surfing to trusted sites should reduce the risk of infection, the malicious code can be injected into any website. Users do not have to click or download anything to become infected, merely visiting an infected website is sufficient.
Obsessable.com reports:
Over 10,000 websites have been compromised since the threat was discovered and security experts are recommending that Internet Explorer users switch temporarily to another browser until Microsoft addresses this security hole.
P2Pnet News reports:
Usually, in attacks of this kind, victims have to actually click on something to set a process in motion
But not this time, says Heise. All they have to do is merely open an innocuous seeming page.
“It targets a particularly dangerous hole in all versions of the Microsoft browser,” it states, warning there’s no patch and, “a Windows PC can become infected with malicious software through the simple act of opening a web page.
What can you do?
The answer is quite simple Download and start using Firefox.
While you’re at it – dump the other Microsoft product that is constantly under hacker attack that you’re probably using to manage your email – Outlook or Outlook Express – and pick up Thunderbird.
By the way, switching your browser to Firefox is one of the daily lessons covered in the 8 Week Power Blog Launch course. If you’re still using Internet Explorer – this recent security alert (which was also issued for the last TWO versions of MSIE by the way – that’s why there’s the little “AGAIN” in the title) should be the final nail in the coffin.
Not only does Firefox offer some incredible plug ins to make your web surfing more efficient – using Firefox is also the best way to make sure the data on your computer STAYS on your computer and doesn’t “leak” out via a hole in your browser.
