German govt’s Microsoft Internet Explorer warning
By ANISunday, January 17, 2010
LONDON - The German government has warned against the use of Microsoft Internet Explorer after finding a security flaw that leaves it susceptible to hackers.
Microsoft admitted recently that Internet Explorer was the weak link in recent attacks on Google’s systems.
However, they claimed that the solution lies in setting the browser’s Internet security zone to “high.”
Now, the Federal Office for Information Security, or BSI, has suggested surfers to find an alternative browser to protect security.
Graham Cluley of anti-virus firm Sophos the problem exists in versions 6, 7 and 8 of the browser.
“This is a vulnerability that was announced in the last couple of days. Microsoft have no patch yet and the implication is that this is the same one that exploited on the attacks on Google earlier this week,” the Telegraph quoted him as telling the BBC.
He added: “The way to exploit this flaw has now appeared on the internet, so it is quite possible that everyone is now going to have a go.”
Meanwhile, Thomas Baumgaertner, a Microsoft spokesman in Germany, clarified:
“These were not attacks against general users or consumers. There is no threat to the general user.” (ANI)