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Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Deja vu: Microsoft IE = Potential Loss of Personal Data, Again A recently discovered undocumented flaw (old Indian phrase for “what a surprise, a buggy Microsoft product”) in IE allows criminals to install malware on your PC that does everything from monitor and record your keystrokes, chat sessions, and email correspondence; to installing Trojans and adware (software that increases the number of pop-ups you see while surfing) without your knowledge. According to Washington Post Technology Blogger Brian Krebs, “Researchers at Sunbelt Software discovered the exploit last week while conducting some routine online surveillance of known crimeware gangs. According to Sunbelt researcher Eric Sites, the exploits at the moment appear to be hosted mainly on hardcore porn sites. But if past experience with new IE exploits holds true, we may soon see this exploit being sewn into the fabric of legitimate, but poorly programmed, business Web sites that hackers can manipulate to their advantage.” Mr. Krebs offers the solution of disabling JavaScript in your browser (Tools/Options/Security/Scripting/ then select “Prompt” or “Disable”). I have another solution. Buy a Mac. Okay, I realize that is impractical for most readers. Your next best choice: Stop using Internet Explorer. This is not the first exploit that put your personal data at risk, and it will not be the last. Why continue to expose yourself to potential identify theft when safer alternatives are just a click away? Your two best alternate browsers to IE are Firefox http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/ and Opera http://www.opera.com/. Of the two, I use Firefox because I like its look and feel. Firefox offers tabbed browsing (one window, many websites as opposed to IE, many websites, multiple windows); RSS technology for pulling headlines from multiple news sites and blogs; in-line searching from the tool bar; and pop-up blocking. The best reason to switch to Firefox is the security of your personal information. However, in the words of LeVar Burton and Reading Rainbow, “you don’t have to take my word for it”. Google the phrases: “Firefox versus IE”, “Firefox security”, or “Why you should buy a Mac instead of a PC.” Ok, I was just kidding with that last one. Sorta. Until you have the opportunity to disinfect yourself from Internet Explorer, Mr. Krebs recommends: “…have Windows set to receive automatic software updates, and be very careful about visiting Web sites that are off the Internet's beaten path.” Tony is a freelance writer and columnist. Blogger News Network is advertiser-supported, and your visits to our advertisers help BNN to meet its expenses. Help keep us afloat! posted by Tony Sarrecchia at 11:03 AM |
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