WARNING: Internet Explorer has been hacked!
After the recent “Heartbleed bug” scare involving gleaning of usernames and passwords from supposed secure websites, it has just been announced that there is a flaw in Microsoft explorer. The gap allows cyber criminals to create “fake websites” to lure people into providing details. If the user is on administrative rights these criminals could access information, delete files create users and take over the whole system. The motivation is not necessarily extortion but access to a company’s intellectual property for resale to the highest bidder. It is known to affect versions six to 11 and represents around one quarter of all web browsers used.
Microsoft is investigating the issue and will produce a fix shortly but have given advice on a work around on their website. Users are warned not to click on any email offers, instant messages or requests even from websites they may use all the time. If necessary they can use a third party browser such as Firefox or Chrome until the issue is resolved.
Malcolm Ford has had 25 years’ experience in different industries and currently implements enterprise level software to increase efficiency in small to medium sized businesses.
