Sunday, January 09, 2005
Test whether you're at risk from "Extremely Critical" browser bug
Even if you run XP Service Pack 2, if you're still using Microsoft Internet Explorer for some reason then going to a booby-trapped web site or viewing the wrong ad can write files to your machine and take it over. Skip down if you're using Mozilla or Firefox, there's news for you too.
Security firm Secunia has put up a harmless page where you can test for vulnerability to the IE exploit. Just follow the directions on the page.
Secunia recommends that if you're going to use Internet Explorer, you should go to Tools/Internet Options/Security/Internet and change your security level to High. I don't know whether this will work: be sure you have "Active Scripting" turned off in the security settings. Secunia's preferred solution is the one you've been hearing from security people for months now: use a better web browser.
Mozilla and Firefox need updates
If you're running Mozilla, which is the big suite of programs including a web browser, email, chat program and whatnot, then you need to update to version 1.7.5 to fix a problem that could take over your machine (but only if you click on a malicious link beginning with "news://").
Firefox has an update to fix a problem where bad guys could make a download appear to come from someplace safe even if it doesn't. If you practice good hygiene this shouldn't be an issue. Go to Tools/Options/Advanced/Software Update and click "Check Now".
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Security firm Secunia has put up a harmless page where you can test for vulnerability to the IE exploit. Just follow the directions on the page.
Secunia recommends that if you're going to use Internet Explorer, you should go to Tools/Internet Options/Security/Internet and change your security level to High. I don't know whether this will work: be sure you have "Active Scripting" turned off in the security settings. Secunia's preferred solution is the one you've been hearing from security people for months now: use a better web browser.
Mozilla and Firefox need updates
If you're running Mozilla, which is the big suite of programs including a web browser, email, chat program and whatnot, then you need to update to version 1.7.5 to fix a problem that could take over your machine (but only if you click on a malicious link beginning with "news://").
Firefox has an update to fix a problem where bad guys could make a download appear to come from someplace safe even if it doesn't. If you practice good hygiene this shouldn't be an issue. Go to Tools/Options/Advanced/Software Update and click "Check Now".
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