TECHNOLOGY TIPS – INTERNET EXPLORER SECURITY FLAW
Last week, Microsoft announced a major flaw in its Internet Explorer versions IE5 through beta IE8. This flaw, currently being used to steal online game passwords, has security experts recommending that all Internet Explorer users stop use of the software until a patch is created by Microsoft.
Several other web browsers available include Firefox, Chrome, Safari and Opera. All four browsers show no signs of being affected.
Microsoft does offer several suggestions for a workaround patch until the new patch is completed. Be sure to set your Internet security to "high" or click here for some additional workarounds.
The main fear is that though the security threat is currently in the gaming sector, it's only a short time before this threat goes mainstream where the malicious code can be adapted for any website making any stored or entered password vulnerable.
"In this case, hackers found the hole before Microsoft did," said Rick Ferguson, senior security advisor at Trend Micro. "This is never a good thing."
Richard Cox, chief information officer of anti-spam body The Spamhaus Project and an expert on privacy and cyber security, echoed Trend Micro's warning.
"It won't be long before someone reverse engineers this exploit for more fraudulent purposes. Trend Mico's advice [of switching to an alternative web browser] is very sensible," he said.
"Every browser is susceptible to vulnerabilities from time to time. It's fine to say 'don't use Internet Explorer' for now, but other browsers may well find themselves in a similar situation," he added.
This information adapted from BBC News and Christopher Null
CATHY MALLERS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
