Internet Explorer security warning issued

Posted by David Walker on Tue 16 Dec 2008

I'm a PC...and I'm a little worried

It's the most-used browser on the planet - but a serious security flaw in Internet Explorer could leave its users open to attack by hackers.

The flaw allows online criminals to take control of a computer if a 'tainted' website is visited. And with an estimated 10,000 sites under the control of the criminals, it's a more serious threat than you might think, especially if you visit...shall we say...risque websites. Once you've been snaffled, the hackers can steal passwords, as well as being able to access financial details on your PC. And with the flaw out in the open, every opportunist hacker on the planet will be all over it this Christmas. Yes, it's that serious.

The most vulnerable version of the browser is IE7, with experts suggesting a move to Firefox or Google Chrome in the short term, at least until Microsoft secures things up. When will that be? Well, right now no-one knows. MS hasn't got another 'patch' due until January 13th, but there's no reason why it wouldn't release an emergency one before then.

In the meantime, try one of those other browsers. You never know, you might grow to like life on 'the other side'.

Link: Microsoft (via The Times)

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