Software flaw allows viruses within E-mail
Article Abstract:
Security experts have reported a serious flaw in three popular E-mail programs: Microsoft's Outlook Express and Outlook 98 as well as Netscape Communications's Netscape Mail, a part of its Communicator suite. Evil users could send a message containing a virus to the tens of millions of worldwide users who have already purchased one of the programs. A worst-case scenario could involve crashing a computer, or erasing and possibly stealing data. Microsoft already is offering fixes, although the company admitted that an incorrect first fix appeared on its World Wide Web site on Jul 27, 1998. Those who downloaded and installed the initial fix must repeat the steps with a new version. Outlook 98, which Microsoft said has sold around two million copies, contains the most serious flaws, which allow an illicit E-mail attachment to infect a machine without user activity. By comparison, Microsoft and Netscape said users of their respective Outlook Express and Communicator would have to open a program first.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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New Netscape software flaw is discovered
Article Abstract:
A team of computer scientists working in conjunction with Princeton University have discovered a programming defect in Netscape Communications' Navigator Web browser that leaves the software susceptible to foreign entry and influence. The versions of Navigator that provide compatibility with the Java programming language include a design flaw that renders them penetrable to destructive Internet-based agents which may be introduced from external sources. Netscape's Web browser has been discovered to contain several flaws since fall 1995, and the company now offers rewards of $1,000 to those Navigator users who report programming bugs directly to the company. Netscape is developing a bug patch for its Navigator 3.0 Web browser that it will post freely on the Internet for its users to download.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1996
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Netscape and Microsoft are cleared on exports
Article Abstract:
The US Dept of Commerce has granted permission to Microsoft and Netscape to sell versions of their Internet browsers that contain additional security, to banking customers around the world. This is the first time the US government has approved the exportation of software containing more than 40-bit keys. The new regulations will provide for the exportation of 128-bit keys, which secures it from powerful supercomputers. The new guidelines received praise from both Microsoft and Netscape. However, the companies pointed out that the software could only be sold to banking institutions and would be used only for financial transactions. It could not be used to provide secure e-mail or other electronic communications.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1997
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