December 17, 2008 by Jack Fox
Okay guys, some very bad news for Microsoft and some very important news for you: a serious flaw has been found in Microsoft Internet Explorer. It’s possible that the flaw could provide a way for hackers to gain access to, and control of, your computers, thereby allowing them to view cookies, steal passwords etc. Security experts are advising IE users to switch to a rival browser and so, that’s what we’re advising too.
Microsoft is preparing an emergency patch to fix the problem. In the meantime, you should download Firefox, Chrome, Safari or one of the numerous other browsers that compete with IE and wait for the patch to become available.
Since the flaw has become public knowledge it is thought that more than 10,000 sites have become compromised. According to security advisors the majority of hackers have been using this vulnerability to steal game passwords. However, adapting to use the flaw for criminal purposes is thought to be very simple, so it’s only a matter of time before this more malicious usage is widespread, if it isn’t already.
Predictably enough Microsoft don’t think you should switch browsers, even temporarily, “I cannot recommend people switch due to this one flaw,” John Curran – Microsoft UK, Windows group. However, in our humble opinion, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
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