Internet Explorer users at risk - major security flaw

[*wheels*]

Internet Explorer users at risk as Microsoft moves to address major security flaw

http://www.news.com.au/technology/alert-as-900-million-ie-users-at-risk/story-e6frfro0-1225998038424#ixzz1CfoYH7n9

    * Microsoft issues critical security alert
    * Hackers could exploit flaw in browser
    
MICROSOFT has issued a critical security alert that affects 900 million people using its Internet Explorer web browser.

The computer giant warned of a newly-discovered flaw in Windows that could be exploited by hackers to steal personal details or take over computers.

The glitch is so severe it potentially affects every user of Internet Explorer.

Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari browsers are all unaffected by the threat because, unlike Internet Explorer, they don't support MHTML files, where the problem lies.

The loophole only seems to affect the way Internet Explorer handles some web pages.

Microsoft just said that the bug was inside Windows, presumably because they don't want users to migrate to other browsers.

This means it affects all versions of the operating system currently supported including Windows XP (SP3), Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008 (R2).

http://blogs.technet.com/b/msrc/archive/2011/01/28/microsoft-releases-security-advisory-2501696.aspx

To enable a temporary Fix:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2501696


 

[*Ubbie Max*]

Struth Wheels. I'm glad I use Firefox.

[*Brum6y*]

I've started using Chrome - and am enjoying things a lot faster - especially eBay.

Takes a bit of getting used to, but its tolerable.

[bnwt]

Brumby

have a look at Safari ... even faster and lot more stylish


http://www.apple.com/safari/

[*CountessA*]

I use Firefox... but I also use Safari (iPhone). Safari renders very nicely, I must admit.

I do still have to keep IE around so that I can check how web pages look in it.

[*Brum6y*]

Brumby

have a look at Safari ... even faster and lot more stylish


http://www.apple.com/safari/

I will have to do that.

I should also get Firefox - since I'm getting into web stuff......

[*smee*]

I use I.E ...if I just spray my pc with some of honest Smee's anti-millenium bug spray will I be safe ?

can some one , in none geek,  user friendly language tell me what harm, if any, can be done if I keep using it please

[*wheels*]

Smee, you can keep using IE, as the glitch is only in some types of web pages (mthml)

To block those pages follow the steps here:

Click the Fix it button under the Enable heading. Click Run in the File Download dialog box, and then follow the steps in the Fix it wizard.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2501696

[*smee*]

thanks , and I used half a can of my spray as well to be on the safe side

[low-enghooi]

can some one , in none geek,  user friendly language tell me what harm, if any, can be done if I keep using it please

IMHO, it means you can forget about this and continue doing what you are doing. You get this message from Microsoft very frequently that you should worry when you don't hear from Microsoft about their security flaw.

Of course if you use any browser other than IE you could completely forget about this.

If you also enable Microsoft Update, that is perfect. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/901037

Just let your virus scanner take care of the rest.

[*smee*]

thanks Low

[*wheels*]

*must remember to proof read posts*

Post #7 above should read: the glitch is only in some types of web pages (mhtml)