PC Update Notification for: Microsoft Internet Explorer

Microsoft currently has unpatched security advisories affecting Internet Explorer.

The exploit can be triggered by simply visiting an infected website. As Microsoft contemplates issuing an emergency patch, there is no real solution at the moment except not visiting malicious or compromised website with Internet Explorer. Of course if you knew the website was infected you wouldn’t be visiting it in the first place would you? This exploit has the potential to become widespread.

Be keeping an eye out for a patch from Microsoft.

More information about the updates may be found at:

http://secunia.com/advisories/19762/
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1953833,00.asp

As usual, if you don’t have Windows Automatic Updates enabled, be sure that you check manually for updates at least once a month. Microsoft usually releases updates on the second Tuesday of every month.

The newest beta version of Internet Explorer 7.0 was released by Microsoft today. The new browser touts enhanced security features including a “phishing filter” designed alert users if they are browsing a site that might be attempting to steal personal data. Microsoft hopes the new filter will prevent malicious sites from duping users into entering private information into a familiar interfaces despite being operated by some other entity. Interestingly, the next release of Mozilla’s FireFox is expected to include a phishing filter as well.

The new Internet Explorer Browser also plays catchup with Opera and Mozilla’s FireFox by adding tabbed browsing. Though the new browser does add security enhancements over Internet Explorer 6.0, users should be aware that this is not the final release. The final version of Internet Explorer 7.0 is expected to be released with Microsoft’s new operating system sometime in 2007. But if you’re feeling bold and looking for something new, the beta version can be downloaded from Microsoft.

For a comparison or FireFox and Internet check out our latest review.

Microsoft has launched a site to help you determine if the passwords you are using to access your personal financial sites (or any sensitive site) are secure. Overall the suggestions they offer for creating strong passwords are good. Though the password checker is basic, it should help those with basic passwords create better ones. If you don’t already know if your password is ‘basic,’ then you should definitely check this site out.

A word of caution:

The Microsoft site is not encrypted and uses javascript to determine if the password entered is bad, good or great. Typing your sensitive passwords into any site other than the site you created them for isn’t really a good idea. So if you do type in a password, at least type a password similar to your real one. For more information about secure passwords check out our resources section.

The Internet Storm Center is conducting a poll on what type of security web banks are offering.  So far the results are surprising.

You travel with your notebook. You manage your finances on your notebook. But if you own a HP, just make sure it doesn’t burn you next time you use it.

Hewlett-Packard recalled 15,700 batteries in the HP Pavilion and Compaq Presario Families. [more...]

HP customers can call HP at 888.202.4320 or visit the HP web site for more information about how to replace recalled batteries.

The Telegraph reports on loud Americans:

Loud and brash, in gawdy garb and baseball caps, more than three million of them flock to our shores every year. Shuffling between tourist sites or preparing to negotiate a business deal, they bemoan the failings of the world outside the United States.

The reputation of the “Ugly American” abroad is not, however, just some cruel stereotype, but - according to the American government itself - worryingly accurate. Now, the State Department in Washington has joined forces with American industry to plan an image make-over by issuing guides for Americans travelling overseas on how to behave. [more...]