Graham Roberts Home Computer Services

Reputable & reliable computer repairs and servicing for Barlborough, Clowne, Bolsover & surrounding villages.

Urgent Internet Explorer Security Warning Email 17th December 2008.

Dear Customer.

I hadn’t planned to issue a security warning along with my Christmas best wishes, but you may have read the newspapers or heard today about a security issue with Microsoft Internet Explorer, where criminals have been hacking into computers and stealing passwords etc, and some of my customers have already emailed me with their concerns. Below is a cut down version of what the BBC say about the problem.

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17^th December 2008

Microsoft is due to issue a patch to fix a security flaw believed to have affected as many as 10,000 websites

The emergency patch should be available from 1800 GMT on 17 December, Microsoft has said.

The flaw in Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser could allow criminals to take control of people's computers and steal passwords.

According to Rick Ferguson, a senior security adviser at security firm Trend Micro, the flaw has so far been used to steal gaming passwords but more sensitive data could be at risk until the security update is installed. "It is inevitable that it will be adapted by criminals. It is relatively unusual for Microsoft to issue what it calls an "out-of-band" security bulletin and experts are reading the decision to rush out a patch as evidence of the potential danger of the flaw. "People have to be prepared and willing to install security updates. That nagging screen asking if you want to update should not be ignored," he said.

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As you can see, a new Microsoft update will be coming out later today (Although it may be a day or two before it finds its way to your computer), that should solve the current threat but new ones are appearing all the time. The purpose of this email is to echo Mr Ferguson’s words and stress just how important it is for you to install your Microsoft updates.

I always leave my customer’s computers set up to update automatically, but If you’re not being prompted to update or haven’t been aware of your computer updating itself, look out for the “new updates available” icon appearing on the task bar at the bottom right hand side of the screen near the time. In Windows XP, it looks like a Shield and in Vista a green rectangle with an orange ring through it. You can verify that you’ve got the right icon simply by letting your mouse hover above it. Click on it and install the updates.

Certain types of updates can only be installed when your computer is turned off, which is why it is very important not to leave your computer switched on indefinitely. You will know if these updates are ready to install by a shield appearing on the “Turn off” button in XP and it will install the updates whist closing down. In Vista, a shield appears on the first shutdown option button normally used for power save, (To the left of the one with the padlock icon). If you see a shield on this button click on it and it will install the updates whilst closing down.

Also; please remember to keep your Antivirus, Anti-Spyware and any other internet security software up to date.

Graham