The Homeland Security Department announces it has detected
an increase in hackers scanning the Internet to find
vulnerable computers. Experts believe the increase in
activity could be a prelude to a broad Internet attack. The
department urges computer users to protect their machines
by installing a free patch offered by Microsoft.
According to CNN, the vulnerability affects almost all
computers running Microsoft’s Windows operating system
software. The flaw, involving so-called “buffer overflows,”
can fool software into accepting insecure commands that
could let intruders steal data, delete files or eavesdrop
on E-mails.
The latest versions of Windows XP prompt users to install
the patch automatically, but those with older versions
should visit www.windowsupdate.com to get the download.
