Scramble to fix computer security flaws
Article Abstract:
Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard and Compaq Computer are working on software patches to fix security flaws. The Microsoft problem centers on Internet Explorer's willingness to 'trust' any document created with a Microsoft application (Word, Excel, Powerpoint). Files from these programs can now contain their own executable code. If this code is a virus, users would not be aware that it had been loaded onto their computer. When a patch is available, Office 97 users can obtain it from officeupdate.microsoft.com/Articles/MDAC_typ.htm. Hewlett-Packard and Compaq Computer both have problems with software designed to offer customers help over the Internet. These applets, which run within Internet Explorer, where designed to run support software, but can also execute other less helpful kinds of code, such as viruses. The HP patch will be available at www.hp.com/support/hppavilion.com.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1999
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Microsoft discloses more flaws in software
Article Abstract:
Microsoft Corp. has acknowledged that its Office 2000 software has security flaws similar to those found three weeks ago in its Office 97 software. In addition, the company has acknowledged that its 'MSN Messenger' Internet chat software has a bug that allows co-workers and others who can access a person;s computer to see the person's E-mail password for Microsoft's 'Hotmail' service. Microsoft promised to fix the bug immediately. The flaws in Office 2000 and Office 97 are not identical, but both software programs can be attacked by using a software component called Jet to carry out arbitrary commands hidden in an Office documents. Microsoft will issue a repair or patch within the week, and will send a security bulletin with details to 1.5 million Office users. Both the security bulletin and the patch will be posted on the Web.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1999
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Security flaw is discovered in several Unix programs
Article Abstract:
The Computer Emergency Response Team reports that there have been some attacks that use holes that exist in the security of the Unix operating system. The hackers that use these hole are given access to the root of the the server and therefore, can access anything on the system.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1999
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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