Email Hacker Code Listed on Internet
A hackers “blueprint” code enabling access to Google email accounts has been released to the public via the Internet. Sky News reports:
“Computer users in France and Germany have been told to temporarily avoid using Internet Explorer as their web browser after a code used to hack Gmail accounts was leaked online.
Security experts are warning computer users throughout the world to be highly vigilant after the code was published on the internet.
The hack involves Internet Explorer 6, the browser that powers millions of business and home computers.
The security flaw was used to access Google mail accounts in China last week and led to Google threatening to abandon its Chinese search engine.
The code was originally posted to malicious software analysis site Wepawet. Security site Metasploit then posted a demonstration of how easily the code can be used to gain complete control over a computer.
George Kurtz from security firm McAfee said: “The public release of the exploit code increases the possibility of widespread attacks using the Internet Explorer vulnerability.
“This attack is especially deadly on older systems that are running XP and Internet Explorer 6.”
The French and German governments have advised people to avoid using all versions of Internet Explorer until a patch is released to fix the hole in Microsoft’s browser.
But Microsoft’s UK security chief Cliff Evans has downplayed the problem.
“The reality of the risk is minimal, even if you have IE6 you would have to go to a website running the exploit,” he said.
“The net effect of switching [from Internet Explorer] is that you will end up on a less secure browser.”
Microsoft said customers using Internet Explorer 6 should immediately upgrade to Internet Explorer 8.
Thomas Baumgaertner, a Microsoft spokesman in Germany, said the attacks on Google were by highly motivated people with a very specific agenda.
Referring to warnings not to use the browser, he said: “These were not attacks against general users or consumers. There is no threat to the general user, consequently we do not support this warning.”
Experts warn that as many as 30 other companies have been hacked, including software firms like Adobe.”
If you are concerned over your IT security or require assistance upgrading Internet Explorer or Windows XP, please contact one of our consultants on 0845 180 0000 or support@barttech.co.uk
