Microsoft has upgraded security on Internet Explorer 6, 7 and 8 in the wake of a massive hack that targeted the email addresses of human rights activists.The cyber attack prompted Google to question its operations in China, which are already censored, and
Microsoft has upgraded security on Internet Explorer 6, 7 and 8 in the wake of a massive hack that targeted the email addresses of human rights activists.
The cyber attack prompted Google to question its operations in China, which are already censored, and it has threatened to pull the plug on its services in the country.
The attack was to gain information on human rights activists in China and also around the world fighting for democracy in the country.
Microsoft New Zealand technology officer Brett Roberts told NBR on Friday that the only confirmed attack was on Internet Explorer 6. There have been no reported attacks confirmed in New Zealand.
Mr Roberts said a publicly unknown vulnerability within Internet Explorer 6 had been exploited (meaning hackers had gained limited access to Gmail accounts).
He said this had “raised the flag a week ago”, which had resulted in increased security measures.
Mr Roberts said this particular hack would not happen again but he could not confirm whether Internet Explorer 6, 7 and 8 would be immune from further attacks.
“We have been improving systems, and putting good systems in place for several hundred millions PCs. This is an impressive piece of engineering,” Mr Roberts said.
