Internet Explorer: Flawed

Recently, a co-worker forwarded me a link to a very interesting news story about security problems with Internet Explorer. Since it caught my attention, I thought I'd share the information with all of you and then suggest some possible solutions.

You see, according to this news story, "Users of all current versions of Microsoft Corp.'s Internet Explorer browser might be vulnerable to having their computers hijacked because of a serious security hole in the software that had yet to be fixed Monday [December 15, 2008]." Apparently, criminals can access your computer by tricking you into visiting a malicious website, of which there are as many as 10,000. As I understand it, they are then able to steal password information from your system.

Now, Microsoft says it has detected attacks only in the Internet Explorer 7 browser (which is the most widely used version) however, they also warned that other versions could be vulnerable as well.

The big issue here is that so many of us use Internet Explorer. It's the default web browser on most computers and most of us don't even think about it. But there are lots of alternative browsers we could use and many of them are much better. They offer more features, easier-to-use tools, and (apparently) more security. If you haven't yet explored these, allow me to refer you to a few of the best ones available.

Note: These are ALL free so at least give one a try.

Mozilla Firefox - This is the browser I currently use on my work computer and I love it. It's very intuitive and tabbed browsing is convenient. It also has an integrated Google search bar so, no matter where I am, I can start a new search quickly and easily. Firefox allows you to fully customize your web surfing experience by installing various "add ons" which create added features and buttons on your toolbar. The program offers tons of other features that I know I don't take full advantage of, but you can read all about them here. To give it a try, download it now for free.

Google Chrome - This is a new web browser from the makers of...well...everything I guess. You know the guys at Google always come up with great new technology and Chrome is no different. It boasts a minimal design with sophisticated technology. Special features include the ability to search directly from the toolbar, thumbnails of your most visited sites (to make access even faster), and private browsing capabilities (for those times you don't want to save your browsing history). Check it out and then download it for free.

Safari - This browser comes to us from Apple but it works on both Macs and PCs. According to the folks at Apple, this is the "fastest, easiest-to-use web browser in the world." Now, that's quite a claim. But I know several people who would fully back that statement. Key features include easy bookmark management, form auto fill, built in RSS (for those of us big into blogs), and a feature called SnapBack which "lets you instantly snap back to your original search results or to the top level of any website, even after you've browsed down a few levels." Though I personally haven't used it yet, I might give Safari a try. Check out all the cool features and then download it for free.

While the Internet certainly improves our way of life, it can also open us up to some serious dangers. The browser you're using may be doing more harm than good. Don't simply accept a flawed browser because that's what you were given. Try one of these alternatives today. Also, if you have a favorite that I haven't listed here, please share. And share your personal experiences with these or any others.