New Exploit Rocks IE, Downloads Scores Of Spyware, Adware

[smb]

http://www.techweb.com/article/showArticle.jhtml?articleId=193003570&pgno=1">New Exploit Rocks IE, Downloads Scores Of Spyware, Adware

An unpatched vulnerability in all editions of Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser is being exploited, security researchers said Tuesday, with the attack dumping a broad range of adware, spyware, and Trojans onto PCs whose users simply surf to an infected or malicious site....

"New Exploit Rocks IE"
"Dubya Tells Lie"
"Muslims Blame Problems on US & Israel"
"Dog Bites Man"

[Recursion]

1. People still use IE?

Do they live in thatched-roof huts also? I mean, major jeers to whoever did this exploit, but at some point I lose pity for people.

[ForFuxakes]

3. Not thatched roof...but a mud hut...

It is really neat how you can have all the modern luxuries and still live like a gypsy...

[mcscajun]

4. A great many...the 'barely computer literate' among us rely on IE

because they don't have the knowledge or skills to take any further steps. They're fortunate they can navigate their e-mail and get the box scores and tv schedules.

My family and friends, and my few clients, no. They've all been coached/encouraged/dragged kicking and screaming to Firefox. :)

[orwell]

6. Do yourself a favor and download Firefox...

...It's free and it's fast. I can't use IE anymore. I've been using Firefox for a couple of years and I love it.

http://www.mozilla.com/

[mcscajun]

9. I thought I made it clear, I, my family and friends all use Firefox

I was speaking of those for whom downloading any new program is a daunting prospect.

[orwell]

11. Sorry..my bad n/t

[Recursion]

7. It takes more computer literacy to use IE than firefox

Honestly, firefox is a much safer and easier browser for the computer-illiterates of the world to be using.

[mcscajun]

10. I totally agree; yet, for many, downloading and installing a new

program is something to be feared rather than embraced.

I use Firefox and promote its use constantly, but I do run across those for whom hand-holding is required, and others who simply want to stay with whatever came with their PC.

[enlightenment]

5. And then there are the companies/organizations that

force you to use it. My university has several web pages that students and faculty must use to submit necessary information that WILL NOT work in any browser except IE.

Complaints have gone unheeded . . .

[Recursion]

8. *shrug*

I don't know. Other than ActiveX controls (which no-one should be using at this point for security reasons) there's no way they can actually keep you from using Firefox. Firefox even has an extension to let you change your user-agent header to make the server think that you're actually using IE if they check for it.

[hobbit709]

2. Unfortunately there are still people

who don't know any better or won't change. That's how I make $35/hr straightening out people's computers.

[Dead_Parrot]

12. What you said

If everybody switched to Firefox and Open Office or even (shudder) Linux, I'd have to take up basket weaving... :D

[Occulus]

13. Shouldn't the federal government....

BAN IE as a threat to public infrastructure?

Isn't it getting close to taking that step?

Sheeeeeesh.......... naw, Micro$oft NEVER knew about this problem... riiiiight.......

[anarch]

14. wow, it's almost as if Microsoft really doesn't give a shit

what kind of shoddy product they foist on the unsuspecting masses.

[Lithos]

15. Ah yes, but find a minor hole in their DRM software

And you get a patch within 24 hours.

This is what you get when you have a monopoly without any oversight. It's about money and will always be about money. Browser patches/fixes cost them money, DRM gives them money (from the meda conglomerates). They don't care about you the individual, they figure you'll be back at the trough soon enough.

L-