Internet Explorer Security Fears

A serious security flaw has been identified with Microsoft's Internet Explorer which could result in criminals taking control of people's computers and stealing their passwords.

The flaw only affects the most commonly used web browser, Microsoft Internet Explorer and Microsoft has urged users to remain vigilant whilst they prepare an emergency patch. Other browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Opera are not affected.

So far attacks have only been detected against Internet Explorer 7 but Microsoft said that the "underlying vulnerability" was present in all versions of the browser.

Microsoft advise that "Protected Mode" (in Internet Explorer 7 and Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 in Windows Vista) limits the impact of the vulnerability. They also suggest that users change their Internet Explorer security settings to 'high', keep their virus and spyware detection software up to date and use a Windows user account with limited rights to change the computers settings. For more information see: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/961051.mspx