New IE Vulnerability Used In Targeted Attacks; IE9, IE10 Users Safe

An anonymous reader writes "Criminals are using a new Internet Explorer security hole to attack Windows computers in targeted attacks, though the vulnerability could end up being more widely exploited. While IE9 and IE10 are not affected, versions IE6, IE7, and IE8 are. It's great to see that the latest versions of IE are immune, but this new vulnerability is still bad news for Windows XP users and earlier since they cannot upgrade to more recent versions of Microsoft's browser. 'We are actively investigating reports of a small, targeted issue affecting Internet Explorer 6-8,' Dustin Childs of Microsoft Trustworthy Computing told TNW. 'We will take appropriate action to help keep customers protected once our analysis is complete. People using Internet Explorer 9-10 are not impacted.'"

Comments

Re:I do feel sorry for XP users

[Runaway1956]

You call it a problem. I see that as a tremendous advantage. Instead of installing my OS, then searching my drawers and closets for CD's and floppies, or downloading stuff from random sites, I just go to my trusted repository to install everything I need. All my downloads come from a single place, all of it having been vetted for malware and/or security holes. It's really great, IMHO. All updates come from the same source, there's no need for me to have my system tray loaded with icons that continuously check for updates.

Of course, if I find something interesting in the tubes, it may or may not be in the repositories. Then, I have to strain my mind real hard to find the half dozen commands needed to install alien software. If my feeble mind should fail to recall any of those commands, I can always google for them.

I really like things the way they are. My wife isn't even tempted to install some Dancing Ponies screensaver. It's not in the trusted repository, so she doesn't mess with it.