New Virus May Steal Data

If you’re running Windows and using Internet Explorer, you need to be aware of a new virus that takes advantage of flaws in Microsoft’s Web Server and Internet Explorer. It uses a bug in Microsoft’s web server to add javascript to each page on a website that Internet Explorer will download and execute. It downloads a keystroke logger which could be used to steal passwords, credit cards, etc. See Wired’s story.

An option you should seriously consider is replacing Internet Explorer with Mozilla or Firefox – they don’t have this problem. If you’re using Outlook Express, replace it with Mozilla or Thunderbird.

Always make sure Windows is up-to-date by using Windows Update. Unfortunately, Windows Update requires Internet Explorer, so hopefully, it isn’t compromised. Microsoft publishes security updates, and they also have a site where you can find out if your Windows machine is protected.

You also want to make sure you use an Antivirus program, and keep it up-to-date with the latest definitions. Computer Associates is offering their antivirus program and firewall free to Microsoft customers for 1 year. The offer expires 2/1/2005.

If you want get rid of the headaches Windows causes – security, etc. – replace Windows with either a Mac or Linux.

The site you’re viewing now – stevejenkin.us – is free from the Microsoft web server bug, because it’s running the Apache web server on Linux. Don’t believe me? You can check with Netcraft.