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Nightrider · Sep 25, 2004

Microsoft: Attacks on Windows Flaw Rise

SEATTLE (AP) - Hackers stepped up attacks Friday on computers running some versions of Windows, a day after Microsoft disclosed a hole related to the mouse cursor. Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) (MSFT) sent out a security advisory Thursday warning customers that a vulnerability in ".ani" files - used to change the cursor into an hourglass while a program works, or into a dancing animal or other animation on specially designed Web sites - was allowing hackers to break into computers and install malicious software.

"Overnight we did see the attacks change from limited and targeted attacks to slightly more, but do still categorize it as a limited attack," said Mark Miller, director of the software maker's security response group.

The so-called zero-day attack, a vulnerability that is discovered before Microsoft has a chance to fix the problem, is aimed at PCs running Windows Vista, the new operating system that the company has touted as its most secure. The hole has also been found on Windows 2000 Service Pack 4, Windows XP Service Pack 2 and some versions of Windows Server 2003.

Once hackers have access to a computer, they can install any number of nasty programs - ones that steal passwords or record keystrokes, which the hackers could then sell to identity thieves.

Microsoft first learned of the vulnerability in December, and has been working on a patch since, Miller said. He did not say whether it would be distributed on its own or as part of a scheduled update...

Computer users could end up with a malicious program on their PC after a Web browsing session and not know it, said Craig Schmugar, a virus researcher for McAfee Avert Labs, the research arm of McAfee.

So far, he said, attacks have been limited to Web surfing with Internet Explorer versions 6 or 7. Firefox, the open-source browser from Mozilla, does not yet seem vulnerable. While Microsoft urged people to be extremely cautious with e-mail, security companies said they have not seen any instances of attacks via e-mail.

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violent1

rb2d2 · Sep 25, 2004

I was just going to post this! Seems to be enough danger from this flaw that it pays to be really careful. Also sounds like the safest means right now is to just avoid using IE.

I can do that.

sunny

Nightrider · Sep 25, 2004

fishead · Feb 09, 2005

Ya but I tried them both and they loaded spy cams on my pc. Thats how it looks to me anyway. When I run spyware it shows a dozen or so from either ff or moz. Then in turn it only shows one spycam from ie and that is the auto updater. If I'm wrong, please tell me what those reported spycams are.

I got that update for my laptop that I mentioned this week, how they check to see if your windows is legal. I have a dislike for windows, but I just don't see using less because I don't like them, these competors need to quit practicing the same thing as Ms, that being trying to take over your pc. Those spycams have me leary, if they are even spycams at all, but spyware says they are spy cams and as soon as I delete them they come back next time I get on the internet.

fishead · Feb 09, 2005

And another point, I cannot view my movies and who knows what else I can't see by using FF or Moz. Thats why I refused to use them, they need to get the bugs out and not being able to see my work is worse than anything, why should I even have a website if I can't see what I put on there. I like to watch videos and can't do without.

Nightrider · Sep 25, 2004

I have been able to view all movies in Opera 9. I haven't had any trouble viewing them with Firefox either, although I rarely ever use it...

dontknow

rb2d2 · Sep 25, 2004

I need to install Opera 9, the last version I have is 8.5. Is there a way to overwrite what I have? I think it's been my experience in the past that Opera installs a new instance of itself in another directory. Then you have to set it up to your liking all over again. I would like to retain the settings I already have.

sunny

rb2d2 · Sep 25, 2004

Is this the version you have?

Nightrider · Sep 25, 2004

No, I have Opera 9.0. This is a newer version than what I have:

I have Opera 8 installed in one folder and Opera 9 in another, so I can use either or both at the same time. You should be able to install Opera 9.1 in the same folder that you have, but I wouldn't guarantee that it would be formatted the same as what you have now. It might though. You can always make backups just in case...

headbang