Monday, November 4, 2024

Internet Explorer security alert: Microsoft says all users at risk

Users of Internet Explorer, the world’s most popular web browser, are at risk of having their computers hijacked because of a security flaw.
By Matthew Moore

Three-quarters of people on the web use Internet Explorer
Three-quarters of people on the web use Internet Explorer

The flaw allows criminal gangs to take control of people’s computers and steal their personal information when they visit websites that have been corrupted by malicious hackers.
It is believed that as many 10,000 sites have been compromised since last week.
Microsoft said that it had detected attacks on machines using Internet Explorer 7, the most widely-used version of the browser, but that other versions are “potentially vulnerable”.
“We are actively investigating the vulnerability that these attacks attempt to exploit,” the firm, which also makes the Windows operating system, said in a security statement.
“We will continue to monitor the threat environment and update this advisory if this situation changes.”
By last Saturday about 0.2 per cent of Internet Explorer users had already visited one of the websites designed to exploit the flaw, according a statement on the technology giant’s Malware Protection blog. The flaw was first exploited last week but there has been a sharp increase in attacks in the last few days.
Given that three-quarters of people on the web use Internet Explorer, millions of people could already have been targeted.
Microsoft has published a list of technical changes that it say should protect against the threat until it can release a software update to close the loophole, although the instructions would be incomprehensible to most casual surfers.
It has also advised users to enable their firewalls and install anti-virus and anti-spyware software, but web security experts say the best guarantee of safety is to use an alternative browser such as Firefox, Safari or Opera, which can all be downloaded for free.
The websites corrupted by the hackers are mostly Chinese, and have been programmed to steal passwords for computer games which can be sold for money on the black market.
But the Internet Explorer security flaw could also be exploited by criminals seeking to steal people’s bank details, private data and identities. “That’s a big fear right now,” said Paul Ferguson of Trend Micro security researcher, warning of “mayhem” if fraudsters succeed.
Graham Cluley, a virus expert at internet security firm Sophos, said that the “staggering” number of people could be affected by the attacks. While many of the compromised sites are pornographic, many are legitimate, mainstream web pages.
“Problems like this are found all the time but Microsoft always has a fix. What’s new about this situation is that there is no fix.
“This is a really critical and serious problem. People should make sure their anti-virus software up to date, and remember to install Microsoft’s security patch when it is released.”
But he added that switching browsers may be an over-reaction. “It’s certainly a fix and gets around this problem, but Firefox, Google Chrome and other browsers all have their own security issues.”

Courtesy: telegraph.co.uk

Related News

Boeing-made satellite just fell apart in space

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com A Boeing-manufactured communications satellite, Intelsat 33e, has disintegrated in orbit, says The Verge. The incident was first reported by Jalopnik on Saturday, and later confirmed by Intelsat. The company said the satellite had stopped working due to an “anomaly,” and declared it a “total loss” on Monday. “We are coordinating with ... Read more

How to keep your laptop’s battery in good health

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that most laptops use aren’t immortal. Over time, they naturally degrade, holding less charge and delivering shorter battery life. But with a few simple strategies, you can extend your laptop battery’s life and keep it performing well for longer. Battery degradation? Lithium-ion batteries work through chemical reactions, ... Read more

‘X’ launches new smartwatches in Bangladesh

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com A new smartwatch featuring a 3D interface has been launched in Bangladesh by the Hong Kong-based brand ‘X.’ The local company DX Group is the exclusive distributor for South Asia. Three models are now available: the X Watch SE, priced at BDT 2,099; the X Watch 1, priced at BDT 2,999; ... Read more

OpenAI launches faster model to power ChatGPT

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com OPENAI on Monday released a higher performing and more efficient version of the artificial intelligence technology that underpins its popular generative tool ChatGPT, making it free to all users. OpenAI has introduced GPT-4o, an updated version of its GPT-4 model. The new model, where “o” signifies “omni,” integrates abilities to process ... Read more

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3: A glimpse into the future of folding phones

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com Folding phones have become increasingly popular, with a plethora of options available to consumers, from the likes of Google’s Pixel Fold to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold5. Amidst this competition, Xiaomi’s Mix Fold 3 stands out: a device that undeniably offers a tantalising preview of the potential future trajectory of folding phones ... Read more

Xiaomi launches Xiaomi Pad 6 in Bangladesh

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com Xiaomi has launched the Xiaomi Pad 6, the latest in their tablet series, targeting the Bangladeshi market. The Xiaomi Pad 6 boasts a unibody design and offers features like 33W fast charging, and Dolby Atmos-supported sound. The device has an 11-inch WQHD+ display with a 144Hz variable refresh rate and a ... Read more

Google turns 25 today, celebrating Silver Jubilee of digital supremacy

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com Google, the tech giant that has become synonymous with internet search, is commemorating its 25th birthday with a special doodle. Although Google Inc was officially incorporated on September 4, for over a decade, the company has chosen to celebrate its birthday on September 27. To mark this momentous day, Google took ... Read more

Bangladeshi origin Rumman Chowdhury among Time’s 100 most influential people in AI

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com Bangladeshi-origin Dr Rumman Chowdhury has been named in the Time 100 AI list for her contribution to the field of Artificial Intelligence.

Amazon Web Services Startup Day to be held Oct 5

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com Amazon Web Services is hosting a training event called Startup Day Bangladesh 2023 on October 5, 2023. This day-long program will provide hands-on teaching on using the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform to transform startup designs.

Walton brings new smartphone Xanon X20

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com Local consumer electronics giant Walton has released a new phone in the market. The device- Canon X20- is powered by a Mediatek Helio G99 processor, which Walton claims will provide better services than the Snapdragon 685G processor, according to a press statement issued on Sunday (20 August)

ASUS launches Zenbook S 13 OLED in Bangladesh

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com ASUS has announced the exciting new Zenbook S 13 OLED (UX5304), the world’s slimmest 13.3-inch OLED laptop in Bangladesh. The S 13 OLED is also the most eco-friendly Zenbook ever and takes the brand’s signature qualities of ultraportable design, sustainability, and on-the-go performance to a new level, reads a press release. ... Read more

Bangladesh one of the first four to get ChatGPT’s Android version

The three others are, the USA, India, Brazil Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com OpenAI has launched the android version of its popular artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT. It made ChatGPT available for android users to download in four countries of the world: the USA, India, Bangladesh and Brazil. The American AI research and deployment company said it ... Read more

A game-changer in the segment: realme brings in C53 from its Champion series

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com The youth-favourite brand realme has brought in yet another fabulous phone from its Champion series C53, which is expected to disrupt its market segment owing to several segment-first features including 128GB storage (along with up to 12GB dynamic RAM) and 7.49mm body. It was launched in the Bangladeshi market recently. The ... Read more

Infinix Unveils the Note 30 Pro with Breakthrough All-Round Fast-Charge

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com Infinix, the youth empowering smartphone brand of Bangladesh has launched its latest addition of Note series, the Note 30 Pro. The phone comes with All-Round Fast charge technology in an affordable price range combining cutting-edge technology, remarkable charging capabilities, and an exceptional user experience. The Infinix Note 30 Pro introduces a ... Read more

Meta’s Threads draws 30 million users as Zuckerberg challenges Twitter

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com Meta Platforms (META.O) on Wednesday launched a direct challenge to Twitter with Threads, garnering millions of users in hours as it sought to take advantage of its rival’s much-weakened state after a series of chaotic decisions from owner Elon Musk. Positioned as a friendly competitor to Twitter, Threads aims to appeal ... Read more

Symphony launches Z60 Plus with 6GB RAM

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com Symphony Mobile, a leading smartphone manufacturer in Bangladesh, is excited to announce the launch of its newest smartphone with 6GB RAM, the Symphony Z60 Plus. Packed with advanced features and powered by the Android 12 operating system, Symphony Z60 Plus offers an enhanced user experience at an affordable price point, reads ... Read more

BMW 735i launched in Bangladesh

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com Executive Motors Limited, the luxury automotive arm of Meghna Executive Holdings, has unveiled the seventh-generation flagship model of the BMW 7 Series, which embodies pure driving pleasure, lounge-like comfort and digitalization at a new level. The front-end design of the new BMW 7 Series features multi-sensory vehicle experience BMW iDrive with ... Read more

Apple launches 15-inch MacBook Air, claiming to be world’s thinnest 15-inch laptop

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com Trust that Apple will not disappoint its user base. Today at its WorldWide Developer Conference, the company introduced the 15-inch MacBook Air, which is 11.5mm thin. Apple claims this will be the world’s thinnest laptop, weighing just over three pounds. According to the manufacturer, it is the thinnest in history. The ... Read more

realme C55 vs OPPO A57: Two devices that exemplify utility

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com Devices that offer the best-in-class features at reasonable prices have been garnering much love from users lately – especially youngsters. Two such devices now available on the market are realme C55 and and OPPO A57, according to a press release. Released just a few months back, realme C55 came in as ... Read more

WhatsApp brings ‘screen sharing’ feature for users

Tech Desk : dhakamirror.com A new report has surfaced online revealing that the Meta-own platform WhatsApp, known for being one of the best messaging apps is developing a new feature which will enhance the the video calling experience on the app. According to WaBetaInfo, the instant messaging app is releasing a screen-sharing feature as well ... Read more