How bad is the flaw?
If you accidently go onto a website with this hidden code, it will secretly install a program on your computer that allows the hackers to take data, credit card numbers from your PC and even take control of it to send SPAM and viruses to other computers.
As of 12PM GMT 17/12/2008 the hackers have infiltrated over 10,000 legal and totally legitimate websites with code to exploit this vulnerability!
Microsoft has now fixed the issue and you can get the fix from Microsoft Update.
To run windows update, start IE, go to tools on the top bar, click windows
update in the drop down menu that appears.
MS08-078 - addresses a vulnerability in Internet Explorer (KB 960714)
To be honest was there really a big issue at all – or is it users trying to save some money!
let me explain if a computer user trusts there browser alone or even a simple anti-virus program then they need to take some more precautions.
The easy route is to blame Microsoft – There are a couple of easy steps computer user can do to ensure their own safety.
The three big computer threats are Viruses, other malicious software and hacking; so, everyone you talk to knows this, and yet they are not computer security specialists, most people rely on Windows basic easily hacked firewall and simple (or none) antivirus software.
This is where the computer user has to use some savvy, after all the hackers do.
You can get a good security software suite, yes you have to pay for the subscription yearly, but let’s face it this keeps the companies running and developing daily updates to keep you safe.
The advantage of a good internet security suite is that it will do the following:-
Scan all internet traffic looking for malicious programs.
Scan all websites you connect too looking for malicious code.
Compare data trends to see an emerging virus before it becomes a problem.
Close down all internet ports from the inside and check with you if a connection is trying to be made from the inside to the outside.
Virus scan your files, Data and programs.
Spyware scan your files, Data and programs.
These programs do a whole lot more and are in my opinion as important as windows it’s self.
Keep yourself and your family safe, check the web site below...
