Microsoft Scrambles To Fix Flaw

[JohnDotCom]

I know already posted up but this is about a Imminent fix.

Fix should be available later today so if you are using IE6,7 or 8 make sure you download it as soon as possible to prevent any possible problems.


Microsoft Scrambles To Fix Flaw

14 mins ago
Sky News

Microsoft will rush out an emergency fix for its Internet Explorer (IE) software after the discovery of a flaw which allows hackers to take over PCs.

Microsoft Scrambles To Fix Flaw



The company says a patch for the web browser will be released today - rather than wait for its regular security update next month.
The flaw was discovered last week and attacks were "spreading like wildfire", according to software security firm Trend Micro.
"When the patch is released people should run, not walk, to get it installed," said Trend Micro researcher Paul Ferguson.
"This vulnerability is being actively exploited by cyber-criminals and getting worse every day."
The security breach allows hackers to gain access to PCs by directing people to infected websites.
Internet security experts say the flaw is dangerous because nothing has to be downloaded for computers to be taken advantage of.
Teams of IT engineers have been working around the clock to deliver a fix for the defect.
Trend Micro believes as many as 10,000 sites have already been compromised to take advantage of the flaw.
John Curran, head of Microsoft's Windows commercial business group in the UK, said: "Obviously when you are talking about a customer base of over one billion people, any amount of vulnerability is too much and any type of infection is going to see a large number of people affected by it."
He added the flaw was primarily being exploited in China.
Concerned users should go to site for the latest advice from Microsoft.

[Raistlin]

WHo uses internet explorer though?

Most people I know use something reliable, efficient, intuitive & bug-free

Oh and the script kiddies can't hack

[Pete]

Thing is IE remains the most widely used browser, thanks in no small part to it being bundled with an operating system. But if it's already there then why bother getting something else that does the same job? For me Firefox is quicker and cleaner to use than IE7. But my customers all use IE, and so my work revolves around that app. I wouldn't mind if it conformed to web standards, but we all know the Microsoft stance on t'Internet.

But in defence of Microsoft they continue to take security seriously and fix problems as fast as they can - and this stance is vastly better than just about any other software company.

[karl_683]

I've always used IE just because it came with the computer. I've just installed firefox and I have to say its better, in fact I won't be switching back.:weihnacht2:

[northeastcorner]

It's only IE7 and 8 so many people won't be affected as they will still be stuck on IE6.

I have firefox, Opera, Chrome as well as IE 7 on my laptop, but that's because I'm a professional geek. It has to be said, all have required continual patching, but the process with Firefox is much simpler because it's application specific rather than IE which you general patch as a whole OS bundle.

Promised patch release from Microsoft 6pm GMT 17th December

[cjmillsnun]

Originally Posted by northeastcorner

It's only IE7 and 8 so many people won't be affected as they will still be stuck on IE6.

I have firefox, Opera, Chrome as well as IE 7 on my laptop, but that's because I'm a professional geek. It has to be said, all have required continual patching, but the process with Firefox is much simpler because it's application specific rather than IE which you general patch as a whole OS bundle.

Promised patch release from Microsoft 6pm GMT 17th December

Sorry it ISN'T only IE7 and IE8. ALL versions could be affected. And having FireFox, Chrome, Opera or Safari doesn't necessarily mean you are safe. IE is the biggest target but all browsers have their flaws.

[GreyGhost]

Originally Posted by Raistlin

W
Oh and the script kiddies can't hack

Unfortunately it's not the script kiddies we have to be concerned about any more it's international organised crime syndicates, they may using the services of SK's but it's not for fun or simply kudos.

"Eggs, to, grandmother, sucking, teach." Rearrange into a well known phrase or saying.

[JohnDotCom]

Originally Posted by Raistlin

WHo uses internet explorer though?

One Billion user's are using IE7 and IE8 beta at the moment Worldwide,
according to official Figures.
70% of all users and Industry use IE unfortunately.


According to Microsoft 10,000 websites have so far been compromised.

If you are worried and wish to continue to use IE.

Raise your Internet Security zones to "High" and reset Internet explorer to run in Protected Mode and keep anti-virus software up to date with a Proper AV program.