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According to this report, we should all be using a different web browser because of a flaw with IE7, that could allow some chinese hackers access to our pc,s. So should I download Firefox until this is fixed or not?
chinese fraudstersuse http://www.maxthon.com/ classic version
I use Firefox and would certainly recommend it.
I, on the other hand recommend a twice weekly colonic irrigation with the added enjoyment of a barium enema… i feel 4 stone lighter after this…………. :shock: :D
There will always be so-called security flaws in Windows (all versions); Internet Explorer; Windows Media Player and so on, just as there will always be people out there trying to steal your personal information for their own (usually criminal) purposes.
Why??? Because it is incredibly tempting for “hackers” to spend (collectively) thousands of man hours to try and find ‘weaknesses’ in the software and exploit them. Sheer weight of numbers indicate that sooner or later they will find yet another way of beating Microsoft and enjoying their 15 minutes of internet fame.
Yes you can always use other browsers if you want to – but this is no guarantee of safety. You will be far more secure if you use an up to date firewall and anti-virus protection and regularly scan your computer for any malware that might have infected it.
For example, most ‘spam’ these days originate from “bot nets” i.e. innocent computer users that have had their computers infected and used to forward on spam mails.
Further to the above – I’ve just received this mail from Microsoft:
Download urgent security update for Internet Explorer
Today Microsoft released an urgent security update for Windows Internet Explorer. Because the flaw may expose computers to remote code execution, the severity rating for this security update is critical.
From the moment we learned of the issue, Microsoft has been working around the clock to respond to this situation and provide a security update that helps protect our customers.
If you have turned on Automatic Updates, your computer will install the security update automatically. If you don’t use Automatic Updates, go to http://update.microsoft.com. This update might cause your computer to restart.
For more information on this update, see the bulletin summary. For more information on how to protect your PC, visit the Microsoft Security At Home site.
BTW: There have been a spate of e-mails recently that appear to come from Microsoft – but in fact do not.
Here is their security warning:
Recognize and avoid fraudulent e-mail to Microsoft customers:
If you receive an e-mail message that claims to be distributing a Microsoft security update, it is a hoax that may contain malware or pointers to malicious Web sites. Microsoft does not distribute security updates via e-mail.The Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) uses PGP to digitally sign all security notifications. However, it is not required to read security notifications, security bulletins, security advisories, or install security updates. You can obtain the MSRC public PGP key at https://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/pgp.mspx.
To receive automatic notifications whenever Microsoft Security Bulletins and Microsoft Security Advisories are issued or revised, subscribe to Microsoft Technical Security Notifications on http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/notify.mspx.
So if you receive an e-mail offering a “fix” to an Internet Explorer (or any other) Windows problem, DO NOT click any links in the e-mail to obtain them.
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