Subeta -

December 16, 2008 9:25 pm

<center> </center> Attention Internet Explorer Users! There is a serious flaw in all modern versions of Internet Explorer, which opens up the chance of your personal information being stolen. This is not an error with Subeta, or any website. This is a problem with the programming itself that allows malicious code to take advantage of your computer, and install malicious software, that could steal the information that you use for your banking, paypal, or other highly personal information. You can find information about this <a href=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gGrwHSPBoys1ouBd7lHjbMs9dgUgD953Q2800>here</a>, <a href=http://www.techflash.com/IE_flaw_prompts_advice_to_switch36236209.html>here</a> and <a href=http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=Internet+Explorer&btnG=Search+News>here is a link to google news, with Internet Explorer as the keyword</a> so you can get up to date news on the bug itself. Also, I want to tell you that having a firewall does not prevent this from affecting you. Most virus scanners (unless this is used to maliciously place a known keylogger on your system) will not be able to help you in this situation. The best way to fix this problem is to get rid of the software that is causing it. Now, I'm not asking you to switch to another browser. I highly advise that you move to another browser, not only because this is a very critical problem, but because the other browsers are just better. They use less memory, they are less bloated, and most importantly, if there is a critical flaw, the other major browsers are very quick to issue a patch and correct the problem. We are not being paid by either the Mozilla Foundation, or the Safari Team (or <a href=http://opera.com>Opera</a>, or <a href=http://www.flock.com>flock</a> to ask you to switch browsers. I simply care about you, our users, and don't want to see your private information stolen, or used against you. The browser I suggest looking into are <a href=http://www.getfirefox.com>Firefox</a> or <a href=http://www.apple.com/safari>Safari</a>. Doing a little <a href=http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9005614>research</a> on all the major browsers is probably in your best interest.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Thank you very much for the update, and I appreciate your concern for our "safety" in real life.

Everyone in my family is now using anything other than IE to ensure that they are safe.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

And eww. -changes my ; into a '-

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Dunno if anyone mentioned it, but you opened a bracket and didn;t close it -flaildie-

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Oh...my. I wonder if that's why my computer has been acting up....

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

NoirRaven, while IE is an integral part of the Windows OS you will not suffer from this flaw unless you are actively using IE as your internet browser. This is why Alx is suggesting you get something like Opera or Firefox, the more obscure the browser the less likely of picking up a nasty. Heck if you wanna be extra safe Safari or flock would be better because it is utilised by a small part of the internet browsing community.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

What I don't get is where you get off saying, "The best way to fix this problem is to get rid of the software that is causing it." You do know that we can't get rid of IE for ANY REASON... right? Us poor schmoes that are stuck using any of Microsoft's operating systems, needs IE to FUNCTION! You can't just simply delete IE. Microsoft made damn sure of that. How can you expect or even suggest to "just delete it"? We're stuck. D=

Every comp expert will tell you the same thing: http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6121_102-0.html?forumID=45&threadID=298947&messageID=2798022 http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6121_102-0.html?forumID=45&threadID=298947&messageID=2802341#2802341

All is not lost however. The techies at IE are working on the problem and we'll just have to sit tight and wait for the flipping update! That's all we can do! We can avoid using IE in the mean time but we can not get rid of it.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

lol. i always knew iesucksxD

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Quote:

; border: 1px solid ; font-family: georgia; font-size: 10;">

DarkMonday - with the way IE is, I don't think it's a matter of "preference" anymore so much as "common sense". That's why there are so many alternatives out there. If IE was as good as people tell you (apparently, like husbands 'cough') there wouldn't be so much of a need for alternatives.

True.true. But there are those out there who really don't like switching from IE. shrugs I absolutely loathe having to use it unless I absolutely have to do so. Personally, I like FF and Thunderbird (for mail, better than my experiences with Outlook).

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Quote:

; border: 1px solid ; font-family: georgia; font-size: 10;">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. Skip related content

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.

Posted not long ago yahoo, previously sky news.

And for those out there saying they don't need to it, seriously do you have any common sense?

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

DarkMonday - with the way IE is, I don't think it's a matter of "preference" anymore so much as "common sense". That's why there are so many alternatives out there. If IE was as good as people tell you (apparently, like husbands 'cough') there wouldn't be so much of a need for alternatives.

As a side note, good lord. SO much FUD down below. Ow. Honestly, odduckoasis - Do you believe everything your "It husband" says ? I'm trying very hard to not be snarky, and admittedly I don't run IT/networking professionally, I'm just a happy end user, but, really. my pc is secure 'and' I can play cd/dvd's, use usb things, surf the net and basically do anything because of 'not' running Windows/IE and having security and stability. I have had sidux installed for nearly 2 years now, Kanotix previously, and I have never once had a problem due to attacks, cracks, or other outside malicious intent.

(And if he tells you the strippers on his lap are accountants, it must be true.)

Using an entirely new o/s isn't for everyone, but when repeatedly presented with glaringly obvious flaws in the one you choose to use, if a change is not something you want to do, then take the steps provided to protect yourself the best you can.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Thanks for posting this article.

I switched browsers a couple of years ago from IE to FF and haven't regretted it for a minute. I did try Chrome for a few days but I think it's still or was still in its Beta stage and was useless. It was very buggy at the time but it has potential to become a good browser once they iron out the bumps. Anyway, as someone mentioned, try and keep away from sites that are known for pop ups and what have yous, but also have a pop up blocker installed. Sometimes it's hard to know what sites are bad if you've never been to them before. Anywho thanks for the warning Keith.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Firefox for the win.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

i'm using seamonkey..

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Everyone has their preference, and while some people may have "authority" figures or gurus that say IE is not as bad as it seems, etc. The fact is as a web developer for several years, I know from experience that any other browser than IE is much more convenient and stable...not to mention a little less pain in the ass.

One of the things people don't know is that in a PC, IE is connected to your hard drive which is why when you get attacked, you get it bad. Whereas other browsers are applications add-ons. I wouldn't suggest deleting IE from your PC, rather just simply avoid using it.

And yes, every browser is vulnerable to trojans and spyware, that's a given. However, you gotta ask yourself, "If I get a trojan would I rather have it from IE or an alternate browser?" Let me say, I'd prefer the later.

Safari and Firefox are great options. I'm not sure about Chrome (Google has enough out there: mail, search engine, etc. I don't know about a browser, lol.)

All in all, I know people will have their pros and cons about certain browser. Yet when it comes down to it, turning a blind eye to the severe flaws in IE is reckless. So, again, kudos to Keith for letting us know about the latest bug.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

thanks.... firefox is the best...

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Thank you!

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Well, personally I use firefox with no-script unless I'm watching tv online. I highly recommend using no-script to anyone who desires better security on their internet browser!

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Thank you for this post, which I consider to be a major public service announcement. I haven't used IE for a long time because of all the problems I had then, but I know many still do use it and stand to benefit from this news if they heed it.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

My husband is an IT specialist and has worked with Microsoft and other companies and knows quite a bit about the operating system. Yes, it has some issues- but it's far more secure than you might think. One thing I would caution, is that by removing IE from your computer is for one impossible, but if you were able to do it, it will ruin your entire windows system, because they're linked. FF, Safari and all those others, are independent of the OS so that's why it's easy to say they're 'safe'. However, most of these other browsers offer very little security, so you must invest in other spyware and firewalls to protect your computer. Also, if you are browsing the internet and are going to sites that are prone to download spyware and trojans onto your computer before you have a chance to stop it, then it won't matter what sort of browser you have. The key is to stay away from sites that are problematic. Another little fact, that has been seen- if MS were as secure as you want it to be, it would be impossible to do anything with and would be useless- because there would be no CD, DVD, USB, ect- no extra's because it's 'secure'. Would you rather be able to enjoy your computer and do what you can to protect it? Or just get all freaked out and complain about an OS that you don't really understand.

Just my two cents. You can proceed to yell at me now. I won't reply.

Have a nice day! Merry Christmas! =D

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Good thing I have firefox woo!!

I dugg this on digg!!

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

All the OS's have stereotypes. Windows is the gamer, Mac is the artist, Linux is the programmer. The end.

News posts aren't really a place for debating.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Quote:

; border: 1px solid ; font-family: georgia; font-size: 10;"> And while that may be true Keith, you'd have to agree that the "I'm superior because I use Linux and you're a N00b sheep because you use Windows" thing is a little high and mighty. They wanna use Linux, that's cool, but they don't need to act like its a religion and try to get me to their church on Sunday.

I think that it's completely different. If I were to try to 'sell' you into using a unix based distro versus a MS based OS it's because it'd be A: Saving you money B: A lot more secure C: You'd be able to downgrade hardware, or not purchase as many upgrades, as the OS uses far less resources

etc, etc.

I think me saying that Unix is better than Windows is completely valid in almost every point. The only thing that windows has over any other OS is that it's high in market share, do to it being bundled with all PCs when they're first purchased.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

And while that may be true Keith, you'd have to agree that the "I'm superior because I use Linux and you're a N00b sheep because you use Windows" thing is a little high and mighty. They wanna use Linux, that's cool, but they don't need to act like its a religion and try to get me to their church on Sunday.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Quote By MissXami:

; border: 1px solid ; font-family: georgia; font-size: 10;">Some people may not have the ram to handle AVG (It can be a ram hog when it scans)

QFT. o__o My machine runs ten times faster once AVG's done scanning.

Anyway, AVG or no AVG, IE is still the slowest browser I've ever used, and I've tried five. Sloth-like browser for sloth-like people.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

lol I switched to Safari just a bit earlier it's a LOT faster than IE

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Captain_Zaraki, and anyone else with slow computers, you should check out the browser K-Meleon. It's designed specifically to be lightweight and low on resources. It is, however, a little hard to get used to!

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Hey Keith thanks for the update :]

I immediately switched to firefox from IE. Good to know that we weren't the only ones. But still wished we would've caught it before the virus go onto my school's computer /:

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Aloneinshadow - I wouldn't trust anything MS says about Linux. Why should they ?

And Keith is right, Ubuntu is a very nice "user friendly" way to get into Linux, but, Linux Mint has prettier artwork (Mint is based on ubuntu). Desktop Linux 'still' has a long way to go but it's getting there.

MS are the prime FUD throwers out there, and obviously, people are still buying it. MS has trained you well.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Thank you Keith for posting this for your users! This is a huge reason why I adore this site to bits and pieces!!!

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Quote:

; border: 1px solid ; font-family: georgia; font-size: 10;"> and all the MS bashing Linux peeps should read this:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28039226?pg=7#Tech_JerkGadgets

That's untrue to the core. While linux is very powerful, every day it is easier to use. For example, Ubuntu has made HUGE strides, and is very very easy to use. You can use it without ever touching the terminal (I don't know anyone who'd use linux WITHOTU thouching the terminal, though)

Also, keep in mind that Apple's OS X (Which is easily the most user friendly operating system) is based on FreeBSD which is unix

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Thanks Keith I don't use IE anyway, it's pretty crappy. I'm pretty sure you cannot delete IE; you can get rid of seeing it but it's files will still be somewhere in Windows because it uses this to update. My roommate is the head supervisor of IT (students) at our college and he told me that, anyway

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

I just switched to FF; I love it already! Thanks for telling us, Keith! <3

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

and all the MS bashing Linux peeps should read this:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28039226?pg=7#Tech_JerkGadgets

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

FF and other broswers slow down my computer more than IE and I don't have anything personal on the computer. It's not safe in general to have any important information such as banking on the internet no matter the type of browser you use it can still one way or another be hacked no matter how fast people are fixing it. It's just weather if you find you have large amounts of important stuff you should use it. I won't get worked up over this but if you do banking ect. I would say you should most likely get off your butt and go to a bank or change a browser. ( Plus FF can't download anything on my computer anyway ) and yes I do know theres 5 other choices.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

cackles

I don't even HAVE IE on my Mac, so I'm safe. 8D

Thank you for your concern about us, Keith.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

MorriganDraven: "IE has yet to mess up my computer... "

That you know of. And AVG Free is not that great of an antivirus. Kaspersky FTW.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Quote:

; border: 1px solid ; font-family: georgia; font-size: 10;">What the heck is doging?

Now either you have the filter on, meaning that dog should be replaced with b!tch, either that or google/wiki it.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

hugs FF i only use IE to check emails cause MSN connects to it ..think my mum uses IE still..hope she knows

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Ho-hum. I use FF at home... have done for about 2 years, and so does my daughter on her computer, and my parents who I advised to switch. However, at work, I have no choice, since IE is the browser that is installed, and I am unable to download anything onto their servers. Bleh. Guess this means I can't do my banking or anything at work anymore!

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Yay Safari. I love Macs.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Hahaha suckers {< This is what you get for endorsing a P.O.S. browser. FF runs way better in practically every way. Not your cup of tea? There's Crome, safari, and Opera that work better than IE. I can't see aaaaaany one wanting to stay with IE. Its the easiest to implant viruses on anyways.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

MorriganDraven, it's better to be safe than sorry. AVG MIGHT pick it up, but it's MUCH better security to just use another browser. Some people may not have the ram to handle AVG (It can be a ram hog when it scans)

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

This was just what mom needed for her to switch to FF. I'd been wanting her to for awhile now but she needed a good hint to change. She loves it now.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Why anyone would use MS anything is beyond me**** Cause Bill Gates Tells Them To =D

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

The only thing that sucks is if I am on Firefox I can't visit my Cult. I have to fix that some how. I want to start using FF if it is safer.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Yikes. That's scary. o.o Thanks for telling. I've been using Firefox for a while now, but that gives me a reason not to get on IE.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Good thing I use Opera then, IE is a piece of slow crap anyways...I waited like 5 minutes just for a single page to load, it's really aggravating!

Thanks for the heads up though.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

This is a shame due to the fact a lot of companies use IE as a browser because it is one less bit of software to purchase and get a license for. Microsoft should really crack down on the security on their services once and for all since most people may never consider a browser change if they just use the web casually.

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

Woah, scary. o_o

I guess my dad will now have to use the 'Mozzarella Firewall' he hates so much.

Thanks for the heads up!

December 31, 1969, 7:00 pm by

The browser research link is to an article from 2 years ago. That is not the best place to start research.

Use @username to mention someone. Supports markdown formatting.

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