IE bug used in Chinese attacks on Google

[robbin_joe]

IE is so terrible browser!!!
never use it!

[r937]

@bobharpista

I still don’t know why most people use IE.

i’ll tell you why some of us use it – because we like it

IE is an awesome browser and firefox is “a piece of junk”

[Aleksejs]

And it goes on:
http://www.darkreading.com/vulnerability_management/security/client/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222500167&cid=RSSfeed

[Shaun]

@Dr_John

So first you have to be using the IE browser with the security setting set to lower than recommended.

And then you have to receive an email directing you to some specific website that has been specially coded by a hacker.

Then you have to believe the email and go there.

Then you have to click on something on the site, usually to install some dodgy software.

And that creates a security risk.

Me? I just ignore random recommendations to visit websites that come through unsolicited email. Much easier than changing my browser (which just happens to be Firefox anyway, and has been for many years).

BUT ALSO

A couple of years ago, the code for Firefox was found to contain a group of weaknesses that had been in it since it was first built and was in every release for several years, and had been in netscape for a few years before that as well. The governments didn’t scream dump Firefox, we just waited until the next update came along and took it. Which is exactly what IE users should do.

Panic reactions from governments are usually not worth listening to.

I remember many years ago, when first a vet died in a very careless accident, then his lover (not his wife) committed suicide using the same drug that he got injected with, and the UK government immediately banned it’s use. It took six months for the vets to convince them that everyone already knew it was dangerous (very, very dangerous) and that the original accident had broken every safety rule recommended by the drug manufacturer, and to get its use allowed again (it was the stuff you see them use to sedate elephants in those wildlife programs).

Now here we have another government or two panicking and trying to impress voters into thinking that they are looking after them.

Just remember, if Firefox every becomes THE dominant browser, it will be the one that hackers examine for weaknesses and exploit. Will the governments then scream drop Firefox, use IE instead?

:tup:

[felgall]

Presumably since Microsoft released a patch for IE8 as well as IE6 the issue was in fact at least potentially with all versions of IE.

One of the biggest problems with IE is that it doesn’t provide the same level of control on what is and isn’t enabled in the browser as other browsers do - possibly because it is still tied too closely into the operating system.

[AlexDawson]

@r937

i’ll tell you why some of us use it – because we like it

IE is an awesome browser and firefox is “a piece of junk”

Sarcasm not included, cynicism sold separately?

[r937]

are you referring to the sarcasm or cynicism plugins?

IE don’t use plugins

IE don’t need to use no steenkin plugins

[AlexDawson]

Actually IE does use plug-in’s: http://www.ieaddons.com/gb/

You can add toolbars, context menu functionality, heck you can even theme the browser if you have the right attachment.