Critical Security Alert - Dump IE now!

CyberSmart Computers will no longer support Internet Explorer (IE) as part of its Norton Internet Security warranty due to the number of ways that it can be hacked. The company will only honor the warranty if the computer owner uses the Firefox browser exclusively.

"We are switching to Firefox because it does not have the flaws that Internet Explorer has concerning the vulnerability that burdens IE," Kenneth E. Lamb, owner of CyberSmart Computers explained. "Specifically, the Firefox browser can be set to not allow redirects or the automatic execution of downloads without the user's permission.

(For an example of how this works, go to this hyperlink, courtesy of Glenn C. Obert, owner of WebfootEnterprises.com:  How Did My Computer Get Infected? )

"I've used Internet Explorer for years, but now I can't continue to recommend our customers continue to use it. There are too many flaws in it. It is an invitation to hackers to invade your computer system, and therefore we will no longer offer our 1-year anti-infection warranty if the client continues to use Internet Explorer."

The final straw in supporting IE came with the introduction of what are called "drive-by downloads," and "redirects." Although they have different names, the way they work is essentially the  same; merely opening a page with an infected graphic is all it takes for IE to allow the invader to plant a file onto the user's computer, or to send the user to a site where the invader can take control of the browser.

Lamb said the most common infections he sees are for what is known as "scareware;" the browser opens to a page and the user is told the computer is infected with multiple virues, trojans, worms, and other infections. It also tells the user that the infections can be removed if they "buy" a copy of the software shown on the page.

"If they try to close the page, the browser locks up," Lamb said. "If they try to close the window, no matter what they click, it installs the invading software and the computer, from that point on is progressively trashed by the invader."

Paying the money is the last thing that you should do. It is a criminal enterprise that the FBI estimates brought in $150-million for the gangsters behind the program's creation.

What should you do? If you are covered by the CyberSmart Computers Norton Internet Security warranty, you must stop using IE and begin using Firefox immediately. If you use another security program, Mr. Lamb still recommends the switch to Firefox.

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