Monday 28 April 2014

Internet Explorer security flaw leaves millions at risk from cyber attack

US software firm discover major issue with its web browser and advise users to protect their computers to avoid cyber theft
Internet Explorer, Security flaw, Microsoft, Heartbleed bug, FLAWED: Using Internet Explorer could leave you vulnerable to cyber thieves [DAILY STAR ONLINE]
Millions of internet users across the UK could be at risk of cyber attack after a serious flaw has been found with Internet Explorer.
Microsoft announced the grim news via their Security TechCenter website and have admitted they currently have no fix for the issue.
The problem affects all versions of the browser from Internet Explorer 6 to 11 and Microsoft warned that “limited, targeted attacks” against people and networks have already occurred.
“An attacker could host a specially crafted website designed to exploit this vulnerability through Internet Explorer, then convince a user to view the website”
Microsoft
The company’s website says, “The vulnerability may corrupt memory in a way that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user within Internet Explorer.
“An attacker could host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit this vulnerability through Internet Explorer and then convince a user to view the website.”
The news comes just weeks after the discovery of the HeartBleed bug which left people open to cyber criminals.
HeartBleed allowed crooks to steal your most private information without leaving a trace.
It rendered the on-screen padlock icon – used by millions as a guarantee of internet security – utterly useless.
But what makes this latest scare so serious is that Internet Explorer is one of the most popular internet browsers in the world.
It's currently used by over 26 percent of the web-loving public.
Microsoft have said they are working hard to fix the flaw and are encouraging customers to enable a firewall, apply all software updates, and install antimalware software.
For now, the easiest way to avoid attack is to simply download another browser such as Firefox or Google Chrome.

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