Internet Explorer exploit targets game passwords
by Mike Schramm 
Dec 16th 2008 at 2:20PM
Is anyone still using Internet Explorer on a computer where they have control of the software? The browser is so targeted and so flawed, and there are so many worthwhile and free alternatives that it's almost silly to continue using Microsoft's monster of a browser. But if you still are, watch out -- the BBC says that Microsoft has announced another vulnerability, and this time it could be used to obtain "game passwords," like your account information for World of Warcraft.The good news is that, like most virus scares (ever notice that all of the virus warnings come from companies that happen to make their money on antivirus software? In this case, it's Trend Micro, spreading as much FUD as they can), this warning is probably overblown -- even if you are using a browser full of holes like IE, you have to wander off your beaten path of trusted sites to get in trouble. So don't click random links or follow spambait on the forums or in your email, and you'll probably be fine. But again, installing and using another browser is so easy (and will help you so much in the long run) that you might as well give up IE anyway.
Thanks to everybody who sent this in! And yes, I used the old login screen for this post's picture. But don't you kind of miss it?
Filed under: Patches, Analysis / Opinion, Virtual selves, Odds and ends, Blizzard
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Shade Dec 16th 2008 2:27PM
I miss the original login screen: http://images.mmosite.com/news/2006/09/25/old12.JPG
It was way easier on the eyes.
Dyastro Dec 16th 2008 2:30PM
Hah, in your photo several realms appear to be down for "hardware retrofiting". What the hell is that?
Blackhorn Dec 16th 2008 2:46PM
@Dyastro
Retrofitting is fitting something new into something old (or 'retro').
For some reason, Blizzard chose to phrase it like that instead of just saying "upgrades"
Ktok Dec 16th 2008 2:52PM
@Dynasto:
...seriously? You don't know what that means?
Let me help you, sir.
Hardware: A general term that refers to the physical artifacts of a technology. It may also mean the physical components of a computer system, in the form of computer hardware.
Retrofitting: Reinforcement of structures to become more resistant and resilient to failure.
Can you take it from there?
Shade Dec 16th 2008 3:18PM
@Dyastro
Well basically a bunch of stuff went explodey and they stuck new crap into the servers to fix it.
...or something like that. I don't know - it's a pretty old picture, but not TOO old, because it fell somewhere between paid server transfers being open, and the launch of TBC.
Clbull Dec 16th 2008 4:13PM
It was way easier on my system too.
The Wrath login screen lags at about 20fps for me, especially when the Frost Wyrm breathes. Even the TBC login screen was easier on low spec machines.
But yeah, I definitely perfer the classic WoW one.
Dightkuz Dec 16th 2008 2:28PM
Or just make it easy and don't use IE at all.
Ichigo Dec 16th 2008 2:40PM
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/products/download.html?product=firefox-3.0.4&os=win&lang=en-US
The only way that I use IE in any fashion is withthe IE tab plug in for FireFox and with NoScript plug in installed.
xenocider Dec 16th 2008 2:29PM
I personally loved the BC login, it wasnt too far a departure from vanilla login but still cool. The wrath login is just cold, doesnt give the same feeling.
crayzeigh Dec 16th 2008 2:29PM
How do you spell propaganda?
Warranted, maybe.
Nonetheless...
Savant Dec 16th 2008 9:48PM
It's so comical how people complain about IE for the sole reason that it's made by Microsoft and it's the most popular browser on the planet. If you swapped the names on Firefox and IE the microsoft bashers would STILL hate IE.
IE gets targetted for viruses just like WoW gets targetted for viruses, or the PC on the whole versus the MAC. The virus markers will ALWAYS target the popular software since it gives them the greatest chance to impact the largest number of people. If the popularity numbers were reversed the virus makers would be hacking Firefox right, left and center.
I use IE and I have NEVER had anything even close to an infection. I tried Firefox once and gave up after it failed to play a simple video file from a popular news website. I'll stick to a browser that works thanks...
Sarg Bjornson Dec 17th 2008 5:42AM
We don't hate it because it is made by Microsoft, we hate it because it sucks.
lsschwartz Dec 16th 2008 2:30PM
Been using Firefox for over 2 years now.
SINisterWyvern Dec 16th 2008 2:30PM
I have IE deleted completely out of my system. It's garbage.
cjshrader Dec 16th 2008 2:32PM
If you're running Windows XP or probably Vista then I doubt you do.
Go to My Computer and type www.wowinsider.com in the address bar and see what happens.
RogueJedi86 Dec 16th 2008 3:08PM
Typing in a url in My computer or IE sends it to a new tab in my Google Chrome. Some bug with it being my default browser. I love Chrome though, haven't opened Firefox in like 2 months.
Clarick Dec 16th 2008 3:23PM
you mean you deleted the icons for IE right? Contrary to popular beleif you cannot remove IE.
These is also nothing wrong with IE, if you aren't a porn monkey. I use IE and I hate firefox. I've never had an issue with IE...ever. Oh yeah...I also support thousands of desktops that have never had an issue.
Its irresponsible to post an article like this and bash a perfectly good browser
xtyle Dec 16th 2008 5:40PM
nothin' wrong with bashing a perfectly good browser like IE... A good and slow and memory inefficient browser. The only reason to use IE as an internet tool now is if you have browser based apps that require you to. IE is fine... sure, but it's not good. That's like saying you love your Ford Escort when someone's given you a 350z for free. Sure, you can get where you're going safely and surely. :) See ya when you get there.
IE, for those that don't know, is just the Windows 'internet' front end to it's foundation windows explorer... the interface you use to navigate to files within your own computer. It gives a more comfortable UI with additional tools required for this activity. You cannot delete it, you just chose not to use it.
Plastic Rat Dec 16th 2008 9:42PM
Careful what you say, the M$ fanbois will skin you alive.
...and yeah, if you actually know anything about PCs, you won't touch IE with a ten foot barge pole and a pair of latex gloves.
GrayElf Dec 17th 2008 10:39AM
I can't help laughing at someone supporting thousands of PC's and thinking IE is safe...
I don't support IE, I don't support Windows at all. But at work, I can't help laughing (or crying) when a customer, perfectly legitimately, does some search engine market research, and winds up with 56 viruses.
Sure, most of them were trivial to clear off...but in the end, it cost them as much, or more, than a new PC, to get them completely cleaned.
A few months later, it happened again.
Good luck to you and your thousands - "it hasn't happened to me!" is hardly a valid argument, when it HAS happened to millions. Don't bother learning from other people's experiences - wait until you need to spend hours on most of those systems... With DNS cache poisoning, site hijacking, exploits in advertising (on perfectly legit sites), mis-spellings of real sites - your assumption of safety is frightening.