Critical Security Warning
Microsoft has announced that a critical security vulnerability has been found in its popular Internet browser, Internet Explorer. Security experts advise that users of Microsoft Internet Explorer switch to a rival software until a fix is developed.
The flaw could allow criminals to gain control of your computer and steal your passwords. Microsoft does not yet know how long it will be until a fix is found.
All recent versions of the program are affected by this security bulletin.
As many as 10,000 websites have been compromised since the vulnerability was discovered – Rick Ferguson, senior security advisor at Trend Micro
As much as 75% of users running Windows are also using Microsoft Internet Explorer to browse the web. If you do not know what browser you are using, then it is very likely that you are using Internet Explorer.
There are free options available to you if you use Internet Explorer. Many of which are more secure than Internet Explorer and offer more features. Each of the alternatives allow you to easily import your settings and favorites from Internet Explorer. Here are some of the most popular:
- Mozilla Firefox *most popular
less than 10 minute dial-up download
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/ - Google Chrome *new kid on the block
less than 10 minute dial-up download
http://www.google.com/chrome - Opera
less than 10 minute dial-up download
http://www.opera.com/
Reference and more information:
BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7784908.stm
December 16th, 2008 Lynn 2 comments

is this for real or a false alarm?
The risk is real. It has been reported across the web, as well as on Microsoft’s website.
I believe that Microsoft should have a fix available soon. For now, just don’t visit any crazy websites and you will likely be fine.
Otherwise, changing your browser to something other than Internet Explorer is an option.