This applies to people using Internet Explorer
with Windows operating systems.
Last week, we highlighted an emerging problem with Internet
Explorer and suggested that you consider alternatives.
Since then, further security breaches have been found,
and we now consider Windows based versions
of Internet
Explorer
unsafe to use.
Even version 6.1 with all currently available
patches has been found to be unsafe.
As a replacement, we recommend Mozilla Firefox which
is available at www.getfirefox.com .
This browser download is under 5 megabytes, installs easily,
and with one click you can import all your existing IE
bookmarks, cookies, history, etc.
***If you are presently using a version
of Firefox before 0.92, it is important that you upgrade.***
Please see our recommended
software page for other browser alternatives.
Please
pass this information on to your friends - although
it is all over the technical sites, not many mainstream
media organisations have picked up on this as yet.
So - What Are The Problems With Microsoft Applications?
Microsoft products are the most commonly used internet
programs, and criminals get the best results by writing
harmful programs that specifically target Microsoft products.
Microsoft have instituted an extensive patching
and updating system to try and make their programs
more secure, but new security holes are continually being
found and exploited.
Here are some of the current criminal activities that
are common on the net, which can be solved by using non
Microsoft browsers, Email programs, and operating systems.
- Just clicking on a website or email link can cause
a harmful program to be installed on your computer.
- Keystroke loggers can be installed without your knowledge.
When you go to a secure website, (say your bank), your
login details can be captured as you type them in, and
sent to hackers who use this information to clean out
your account.
- Most spam is now sent from hundreds of thousands of
ordinary people like you, who are blissfully unaware
that their computer is being externally controlled and
sending out SPAM.
- A problem with Microsoft Internet Information Server
5 can cause harmful code to be transferred to your computer.
For more information see:
Microsoft also provide a small amount of information at
http://www.microsoft.com/security/incident/Download_Ject.mspx
Fixing the Problem
1. If you are using any version of Windows on your computer,
Visit the Microsoft Update centre at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and
install the Critical updates.
2. Make sure that your anti virus program is running the
latest update, and that you are using either a software
or hardware firewall. After you have done the update, check
EVERY FILE on your hard disk for viruses.
See http://webangel.com.au/info/software.htm for
some anti virus recommendations.
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