ALERT: Internet Explorer Warning - Microsoft have said stop using it
Computer security experts are advising users of Microsoft's Internet Explorer to switch to another web browser until a major security flaw is fixed.
The problem, first revealed last week, allows criminals to hijack computers and steal passwords if the user visits an infected website.
As many as 10,000 sites have already been compromised to take advantage of the flaw, according to anti-virus software producer Trend Micro.
So far the websites, which are mostly Chinese, have been used to steal computer game passwords which can be sold on the black market.
But Trend Micro security researcher Paul Ferguson told the Associated Press there were major concerns that the problem could be exploited by "more financially motivated criminals for more serious mayhem".
Microsoft said it had so far only found attacks against version 7 of Internet Explorer, the world's most popular web browser, but warned that other versions were "potentially vulnerable".
In a security update issued on Monday, the computer giant said: "We are actively investigating the vulnerability that these attacks attempt to exploit.
"We will continue to monitor the threat and update this advisory if this situation changes."
Microsoft may fix the problem in its regular monthly security update or issue an emergency software patch.
Don't worry though, you don't have to be without a browser, as FIREFOX is a free, easier to use and superior browser.
Comments
So, in basic, vet (not
So, in basic, vet (not computer whizz kid) terms, why is firefox better?
More secure - i.e less
More secure - i.e less fleas.
Extensible - i.e you can add different sorts of widgets/dog collars.
Quicker - Pages load quicker/runs faster.
Less crashes - i.e don't have to take it to the vets as often.
Try it, when it installs, it will import all of your bookmarks etc. Give it ago.
Oooooooooh, it's THAT good
Oooooooooh, it's THAT good is it..??!
Personal preference really
Personal preference really James, I myself like IE7 and with IE8 just around the corner i am sure some holes will be filled and some made.
Also Google Chrome is supposed to be very quick as well.
Gordy
The other reason is....
As a web designer, IE never does as it's supposed to. It has little quirks that make it really cock things up.
So I do have a hatred for it, and a vested interest in getting every one to swap over.
Google email suggests you ditch Internet Explorer 6 and upgrade
Dear Google Apps admin,
In order to continue to improve our products and deliver more sophisticated features and performance, we are harnessing some of the latest improvements in web browser technology. This includes faster JavaScript processing and new standards like HTML5. As a result, over the course of 2010, we will be phasing out support for Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 as well as other older browsers that are not supported by their own manufacturers.
We plan to begin phasing out support of these older browsers on the Google Docs suite and the Google Sites editor on March 1, 2010. After that point, certain functionality within these applications may have higher latency and may not work correctly in these older browsers. Later in 2010, we will start to phase out support for these browsers for Google Mail and Google Calendar.
Google Apps will continue to support Internet Explorer 8.0 and above, Firefox 3.0 and above, Google Chrome 4.0 and above, and Safari 3.0 and above.
Starting this week, users on these older browsers will see a message in Google Docs and the Google Sites editor explaining this change and asking them to upgrade their browser. We will also alert you again closer to March 1 to remind you of this change.
In 2009, the Google Apps team delivered more than 100 improvements to enhance your product experience. We are aiming to beat that in 2010 and continue to deliver the best and most innovative collaboration products for businesses.
Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
The Google Apps team
Post new comment