Open Window

The German government has warned web users that Internet Explorer is insecure after its role in the Google hackings in China. “The warning from the Federal Office for Information Security comes after Microsoft admitted IE was the weak link in recent attacks on Google’s systems. Microsoft rejected the warning, saying that the risk to users was low and that the browsers’ increased security setting would prevent any serious risk. However, German authorities say that even this would not make IE fully safe. Thomas Baumgaertner, a spokesman for Microsoft in Germany, said that while they were aware of the warning, they did not agree with it, saying that the attacks on Google were by ‘highly motivated people with a very specific agenda. There is no threat to the general user, consequently we do not support this warning.’ Microsoft says the security hole can be shut by setting the browser’s security zone to ‘high’, although this limits functionality and blocks many websites. However, Graham Cluley of anti-virus firm Sophos, told BBC News that not only did the warning apply to 6, 7 and 8 of the browser, but the instructions on how to exploit the flaw had been posted on the internet.”