Does anybody still use IE?

Bobb · 12-17-2008, 04:31 PM

You might want to switch.

Cut/paste from http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/111811

Major flaw revealed in Internet Explorer; users urged to switch

Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:49AM EST

The major press outlets are abuzz this morning with news of a major new security flaw that affects all versions of Internet Explorer from IE5 to the latest beta of IE8. The attack has serious and far-reaching ramifications -- and they're not just theoretical attacks. In fact, the flaw is already in wide use as a tool to steal online game passwords, with some 10,000 websites infected with the code needed to take advantage of the hole in IE.

Virtually all security experts (as well as myself) are counseling users to switch to any other web browser -- none of the others are affected, including Firefox, Chrome, and Opera -- at least for the time being, though Microsoft has stubbornly said it "cannot recommend people switch due to this one flaw." Microsoft adds that it is working on a fix but has offered no ETA on when that might happen. Meanwhile it offers some suggestions for a temporary patch, including setting your Internet security zone settings to "high" and offering some complicated workarounds. (Some reports state, however, that the fixes do not actually work.)

Expedient patching or switching are essential. Security pros fear that the attack will soon spread beyond the theft of gaming passwords and into more criminal arenas, as the malicious code can be placed on any website and can be adapted to steal any password stored or entered using the browser. It's now down to the issue of time: Will Microsoft repair the problem and distribute a patch quickly enough to head off the tsunami of fraud that's about to hit or will it come too late to do any good?

Meanwhile, I'll reiterate my recommendation: Switch from Internet Explorer as soon as you can. You can always switch back once the threat is eliminated. (To clarify: You don't need to uninstall IE, just don't use it for the time being.)

Jstone · 12-17-2008, 05:02 PM

I've tried uninstalling IE but it still seems to be hanging around (specifically when I click "check e-mail" in msn) Is this cause its part of msn or can it actually be completely removed?

slang · 12-17-2008, 06:00 PM

First it got outfoxed, then it got chromed.

*waits for chrome for mac*

SammyJ · 12-17-2008, 06:04 PM

Firefox at home, IE at work. We have a company policy strictly prohibiting any software installations by users.

I guess we'll have to petition the IT guys to try something else. To be honest, I don't care if someone hacks my nsmb account tho...

switch · 12-17-2008, 10:43 PM

If you're Windows is valid, you should definitely get the fix for this.

http://www.microsoft.com/protect/com...00812_oob.mspx

12-17-2008, 04:31 PM	#1
Bobb Unregistered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 790 Rep Power: 705470	Does anybody still use IE? You might want to switch. Cut/paste from http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/111811 Major flaw revealed in Internet Explorer; users urged to switch Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:49AM EST The major press outlets are abuzz this morning with news of a major new security flaw that affects all versions of Internet Explorer from IE5 to the latest beta of IE8. The attack has serious and far-reaching ramifications -- and they're not just theoretical attacks. In fact, the flaw is already in wide use as a tool to steal online game passwords, with some 10,000 websites infected with the code needed to take advantage of the hole in IE. Virtually all security experts (as well as myself) are counseling users to switch to any other web browser -- none of the others are affected, including Firefox, Chrome, and Opera -- at least for the time being, though Microsoft has stubbornly said it "cannot recommend people switch due to this one flaw." Microsoft adds that it is working on a fix but has offered no ETA on when that might happen. Meanwhile it offers some suggestions for a temporary patch, including setting your Internet security zone settings to "high" and offering some complicated workarounds. (Some reports state, however, that the fixes do not actually work.) Expedient patching or switching are essential. Security pros fear that the attack will soon spread beyond the theft of gaming passwords and into more criminal arenas, as the malicious code can be placed on any website and can be adapted to steal any password stored or entered using the browser. It's now down to the issue of time: Will Microsoft repair the problem and distribute a patch quickly enough to head off the tsunami of fraud that's about to hit or will it come too late to do any good? Meanwhile, I'll reiterate my recommendation: Switch from Internet Explorer as soon as you can. You can always switch back once the threat is eliminated. (To clarify: You don't need to uninstall IE, just don't use it for the time being.)

12-17-2008, 06:00 PM	#3
slang Lens Fetish Join Date: May 2005 Location: UBC Posts: 1,559 Rep Power: 43190	First it got outfoxed, then it got chromed. waits for chrome for mac __________________ davidlang.me \|

12-17-2008, 10:43 PM	#5
switch two foot hucker Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Old Buck Posts: 30,081 Rep Power: 13897290	If you're Windows is valid, you should definitely get the fix for this. http://www.microsoft.com/protect/com...00812_oob.mspx __________________ It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities. - Josiah Stamp Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race. - H.G. Wells

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12-17-2008, 05:02 PM	#2
Jstone Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 523 Rep Power: 159987	I've tried uninstalling IE but it still seems to be hanging around (specifically when I click "check e-mail" in msn) Is this cause its part of msn or can it actually be completely removed?

12-17-2008, 06:04 PM	#4
SammyJ RoughRider Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lynn Valley Posts: 2,172 Rep Power: 36299	Firefox at home, IE at work. We have a company policy strictly prohibiting any software installations by users. I guess we'll have to petition the IT guys to try something else. To be honest, I don't care if someone hacks my nsmb account tho...