Internet Explorer risk

It was deemed "extremely critical" by one security firm, InformationWeek reports, and it "could let nasty Web sites [linked to in an email or IM, possibly] seize control over visitors' computers," Washington Post security writer Brian Krebs reports. SO Brian suggests that - until Microsoft releases the patch it has promised - the easiest thing for online families to do is switch browsers. Use Firefox, if you have it, and download it here if you don't - the Mac's Safari users have no worries. If your family absolutely has to use Explorer for everyday surfing, Brian provides simple, step-by-step directions for disabling scripting and explains the effects of that in this piece (scroll down to the paragraph beginning: "Back to the present security threat"). Thanks, Brian. Simple, straightforward help for the average PC users is a rare commodity these days!

Then there's the "FBI" and/or "Paris Hilton" virus, the BBC reports, "a Windows virus that warns users about illegal net use" an actually "claims to come from the FBI, CIA, or German BKA police agency, and warns users they have been detected visiting illegal sites." Sometimes the email promises images of Paris Hilton too. Tell your kids: do not open any questionnaire attached - it will infect your PC with a variant of the Sober virus. All attachments should be suspect - even if they're from someone they know, tell your children to email, IM, or call the friend supposedly sending the attachment to make sure s/he sent it.