Warning+for+Internet+Explorer+users

//by Spencer and Matt, wiki admins//


 * What is going on**

Recently, [|a serious security hole was found] by researchers in the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser. Microsoft has since confirmed that fact.

Now, the governments of both Germany and France are recommending that users __immediately stop using all versions__ of Internet Explorer. The problem allows computer hackers to get on to your computer and control it from anywhere in the world, and have as much control as you do. They could steal the passwords to every website you have an account on. They could intercept everything that you type into the computer. They could completely destroy a computer. And they could do it all just because you visited a seemingly safe website.

According to Microsoft, Internet Explorer 6, which is what we have at school in most classrooms, is being attacked the most.


 * What is at risk**

If you are at school right now, chances are you are using Internet Explorer. By using Internet Explorer, you are putting the entire school network at risk, as well as your personal data. If just one person were to download a computer virus, it could infect every computer in the network.


 * What you can do**

If you're at school, use Mozilla Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. Firefox is immune to the risk, and is inherently more secure.

The Firefox logo looks like this:



If you're at home, you can download Firefox from www.mozilla.com. It works with nearly all computers and is 100% free. If you have any problems with Firefox, [|click here]. Other web browsers, such as Apple Safari, Google Chrome, and Opera are also immune to the risk.

If you have any questions, you can put them on the suggestion wall.


 * What is going to happen?**

Microsoft has [|recently officially announced] that they will begin fixing the bug (they could get into legal and PR problems if they don't). However, that doesn't mean that we will see the update immediately. We have no control over updating the computers; that is up to the school.


 * Update:** I talked to Mr. Shuman about the vulnerability during Tech Squad, and he will talk to some of the other system administrators about the security risk.


 * Update:** Microsoft is [|planning on releasing a patch] for the security risk as early as tomorrow. All three major versions of Internet Explorer are affected, and Microsoft is calling the security risk "Critical".


 * Update:** Microsoft released the patch, and it is available through Automatic Updates on your computer or on the [|Microsoft Update website]. No word on when the school computers will see this update.