|
Windows Security Threat |
|
|
|
 Happy New Year to everyone especially you localwatchers who have been sending us emails, giving us ideas for the site. Participation in localwatch is welcome always.
Our Localwatch geek has forwarded us the following report: The government have issued a security warning about a major security flaw in windows, which Microsoft have yet to repair. It can be activated on your computer by just viewing a malicious website, or within Spoofed emails claiming to be New Year's Greetings. Its advisable to make sure you have an antivirus on your computer and that it is up to date. Also make sure you don't just click on any link without knowing if its a trusted website to visit. UPDATE: There is now an unofficial windows patch, which has been verified and tested. It is recommended that you install the patch as soon as possible as Microsoft is only releasing a patch on January 10. Click here to download the file. When Microsoft release thier fix it is advisable to remove the current fix and install microsofts one. If you are unsure how to do this contact your local IT professional. UPDATE: MIcrosoft have now released the patch early. Click here to patch your system. If you have installed the other unofficial update- its advisable to remove it first before installing the microsoft patch.
Click read more to view the entire IT bulletin
What is it?
===========
An attack that uses a problem in the way that Windows XP handles "WMF"
graphics files. Reports are now being received of this being used by a
variety of Malicious Websites, and within Spoofed emails claiming to be New Year's Greetings.
What does it affect?
====================
The flaw is in the Windows XP "image rendering" facility on Windows 2000,
Windows XP and Windows 2003. This is mainly used by Windows "Picture and
Fax Viewer", but is also used by the Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox web browsers to view Windows Meta Files (WMF).
How do I fix it?
================
Update your copy of Windows with the download available from Microsoft.
Details of Specific Problem
===========================
This problem with "Microsoft Graphics Rendering Engine" is described in more depth by the supplier at:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms06-001.mspx
The supplier's page also contains the URL to download the fix: please see our URL security guide for advice on following links
|
|
|
|
Safer browsing on the net |
|
|
|
Online Security 
