Alternative browser spyware infects IE

Register ^ | 11 March 2005 | John Leyden

[D Rider]

So Java isn't the problem. If you choose to install anything on your machine, no one can protect you.

Beware of "close window" buttons.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

There are architectural reasons Windows is more vulnerable.....than Unix or Linux..... nothing is invulnerable...but all the hackers are busy working on windows...its such an easy target.

[Dominic Harr]

Always hit the 'x' in the top corner, in my opinion.

Or use the task manager, if you're really paranoid!

[numberonepal]

This is also why I don't have any semblance of IE on my home computer.

There's no way to NOT have it if you run Windows. Of course, you could be a Mac or Linux person.

[Mannaggia l'America]

Thereafter, if victims allow the packages to install

If you allow something to install, you are not a "victim".

[zeugma]

All of you preaching the wonders of Firefox now have egg all over your faces!

You notice though, that even with Firefox, it's IE that is the vector for this attack. Also, those of us on non-windows platforms are similarly not quite as vulnerable to this attack.

Linux is the ultimate windows service pack.

Nothing is perfect, and I don't claim otherwise, but just about anything is a better alternative to IE.

[BigSkyFreeper]

If you have Windows, IE is on your computer whether you like it or not. Bring up the Start Menu, choose Run, and type "iexplore". It's there, and you can't get rid of it without changing the OS.

Of course. It's built into the OS. You manually try to get rid of the shortcuts, and the executable, you screw up part of the Windows installation, and Windows becomes unreliable.

[thoughtomator]

Windows becomes unreliable... good joke!

[mpreston]

Opera - it's been my Windows & Linux browser for years.

[backhoe]

I meant to drop you a note and forgot about it... regarding IE, somewhere ( if I saved the link, I can't locate the bloody thing ) I read that the *latest* service packs feature an option for uninstalling it. There is another route, and please note-- I have not tried this, nor do I recommend anyone else try it without a full, current backup-- better safe than sorry:

Removes all versions of Internet Explorer from all versions of Windows 9x in 8 different languages! - INSANE!!
http://www.litepc.com/ieradicator.html

I SAY AGAIN- haven't tried it, for informational purposes only, proceed at your own risk. You have been warned.

[lil'bit]

I'm confused.

So, if you have sun java on your computer it allowing malware in? or it is malware?

It's on my computer now and I think it came in when trying to install a program from usps with a stamp program, that still won't work right.

[BigSkyFreeper]

I get the last laugh. :)

[BigSkyFreeper]

So, if you have sun java on your computer it allowing malware in?

Yep.

[Donaeus]

Bump for later

[Dominic Harr]

So, if you have sun java on your computer it allowing malware in? or it is malware?

No, and no.

If you have Java on your machine, it can *ask* you if you want to install malware.

Java is nearly the perfect online technology, by default it can't touch your desktop without your explicit approval.

[oldcomputerguy]

"JAVA as an entry point"

Java applets have always been an entry point, this is no surprise. No one s/b running with Java enabled,, turn it on only for needed websites like moving weather maps etc.

In Mozilla or Netscape genre browsers, edit preferences, advanced, it is right there.

In IE it is harder to find, in keeping with company policy.
Internet options, security, custom and select disable java.

[oldcomputerguy]

"if you have sun java on your computer it allowing malware in? or it is malware?"

Java is a necessary program. The problem is that Java is composed of javascript which is used all the time(ie to "select" things on web pages) and Java applets-(little programs actually) that might generate a moving weather map for example. One can run with javascirpt enabled but should not be running with "Java" enabled. If you go to a page and it needs Java, it will tell you it needs it and you can turn it on and reload the page. See my other posting for instructions.

[Drango]

Removing Java from you computer is the same as removing the tires from your car to prevent flat tires. Java is a fundamental tool of a computer. Disable it if you want, but don't remove it.

[LeeHarvey]

Somebody better tell that darned fox to stop kicking its droppings out of the sandbox!

<snicker> Java sand box...ha! Yeah, right.

Thanks again Sun!

If you don't need Java, uninstall it. And of course, to be safer, browse trusted domains only.

--
Devoted Opera user since 1999.

[Taxman]

Thanks