Computer Support Blog

There has been a new flaw discovered in Internet Explorer Versions 5.01, all 6 versions and Excel which could allow someone to hijack a Windows PC. The flaw is due to an ActiveX control related to Multimedia Features and can be exploited by visiting a rigged website. The issue is deemed to be “critical” and although Microsoft have recently issued some security updates it does not cover this flaw. They generally release security updates for their products every month and how to us this vulnerability was exposed just after these updates, which is no coincidence. There are no known sites yet using this flaw to take control and data from your windows machines. Microsoft is not aware of any attacks that attempt to exploit the new IE vulnerability at this time, it said.  So remember to be very careful opening unsolicited attachments from both known and unknown sources or links to unknown website that we can not protect you from. Hopefully patches will be released soon. Remember its not because Microsoft products are badly made, just that people know if they find a “hole” in Microsoft product that “hackers” can take advantage of, they will be playing to a larger audience. If Open Office was as widely used then there would be more vulnerabilities discovered with that products as well.  People/ Organisations who discover these vulnerabilities and expose them to the Internet before allowing Microsoft to make amendments are the real problem and like to cause chaos.  

It is important that you take action and take more care about opening email attachments or visit strange websites. If it sounds suspicious it most likely is.