**INTERNET EXPLORER IS UNSAFE**

Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still
Browser bug has yet to be fixed, and is spreading rapidly, reports say.

Brennon Slattery
PC World
Tuesday, December 16, 2008; 1:19 PM



A malignant security flaw found in all versions of Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser has yet to be fixed, and the problem is spreading. Microsoft detailed the flaw in a security update blog post six days ago. Since then, the problem has spread across the globe, hitting at least 2 million computers.

Unlike other computer exploits, this one does not require users to click on fishy links or download mysterious software: it plagues computers that simply open an infected Web page.

Internet Explorer is currently used by 69 percent of Web surfers. The flaw hides inside the data binding function of the browser and causes IE to quit unexpectedly and reopen vulnerable to prying eyes.

So far most of the attacks have been geographically centered on China and have been used for the purposes of stealing computer game passwords. But with a flaw as gap-toothed as this, the possibilities of nefarious action could include the massive theft of personal information such as administrative computer passwords and financial data.

Even though there is currently no patch for this problem, Microsoft has offered a variety of workarounds. Most involve disabling or crippling the "oledb32.dll" file. Other methods include setting Internet and local intranet security zones to "high" and configuring Internet Explorer to prompt before running Active Scripting or to disabling Active Scripting.

Though it's always wise to keep your antivirus software updated, it may not protect you in this case, as most antivirus software does not monitor Internet traffic. The easiest way to keep your computer safe is to stop using Internet Explorer. And while other browsers aren't entirely devoid of bugs, they are a better alternative in this case.


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I'm not sure what to do about this... I'm using Internet Explorer and it looks like what's happening is that little by little, more internet pages get infected.... so far this one seems to be okay.
Hopefully they can do something fast to stop the spread of infected internet pages.

there is another browser called mozilla firefox which i do use when i'm doing research....you can upload it free on the internet...

susansmoose wrote:

there is another browser called mozilla firefox which i do use when i'm doing research....you can upload it free on the internet...

Excellent. Thanks!
I'm using the Firefox browser now.

Netscape Navigator is also a pretty good browser.. I mainly use IE but after reading this I am going to use the Netscape..

MattLabMyLove wrote:

So you mean no matter what I should not use Internet Explorer? Well that just sucks.

Well, at least not for now... doesn't look like it's safe.
But like Susan said, you can use Firefox.

Go here: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

and download that brower. Then, just go on the internet using Firefox.

Downloaded! Thanks! I also had MSN explorer, but it got damaged somehow. [b]

I never use IE, I just use my internet providers browser.

Microsoft is releasing a fix for the problem sometime tomorrow. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081216/ap_on_hi_te/tec_internet_explorer_security Make sure you run Windows Update to get the fix. I mainly use Firefox now and it is probably the best browser available, but even if you don't use Internet Explorer, you should run the security updates because a lot of programs use Internet Explorer. Most of the windows that pop up with news in them when you open an Instant Messenger use Internet Explorer. Also, AOL, AT&T Yahoo! Browser, and MSN Explorer are examples of browsers that have a customized interface but are built on top of Internet Explorer.

Yes, thanks for the info!

Yeah, my hubby the systems guru said you have to be careful what sites you go to and I thought, "gee isn't that always the ways it's been?"

Thanks for the info Toby.

iam using firefox now

Good info, Toby---thanks!

what is the link for the fix. I only use IE.

LIWnut wrote:

what is the link for the fix. I only use IE.

I believe you go here: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/default.mspx

Download urgent security update for Internet Explorer
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
cuz when i turning of my pc..it did one windows update!

any why i could find out what the update was for?

Does anyone have an update about Internet Explorer? I have been using Firefox, but I miss my IE.

I've been a loyal Firefox user for quite some time. I find it to be much more reliable.

Coach Jon wrote:

I've been a loyal Firefox user for quite some time. I find it to be much more reliable.

I'm with you. I can't even get my IE to open unless I run it as administrator.

I did have a FF crash a few weeks ago, so it's not immune to infection either.

Let's face it; no system is immune. Apple has maintained integrity mainly because virus spreaders want widespread exposure to satisfy their ego. Apple just doesn't have a big enough market share, although I'm surprised someone hasn't done it just to be the first to do it.