Are you using Windows-based PCs? If
you are particularly using Windows Vista, you need to be extra cautious!
According to Microsoft, a new
security threat has been identified that is especially targeting Windows
Vista-based PCs across Middle East and South Asia. The modus operandi of this
e-threat is that it identifies this particular Windows OS and sends the user
Microsoft Word documents as attachments and tricks him into opening the same.
Once the user has unsuspectingly clicked on the attachment to open it, he will
unknowingly run an image file (.tiff image) that contains the malicious code.
With the code running on your PC, the developers of the threat can gain
absolute control over your PC and all data and documents saved therein. Sounds
scary, isn’t it?
Well, like is the case with all
other security breaches, this new threat also can be prevented by being a
little alert and aware of what we are attempting to open and what mails we are
accessing. Till the time we are careful and vigilant, we can definitely thwart
off all malware and hackers.
As per Dustin Childs, group manager
of Microsoft’s Response Communications team, there isn’t a security fix to this
issue as yet. Although there are a few options that Microsoft is trying out,
the final one hasn’t yet been shared with users. This is certainly the worst
part of this attack…
So, better be careful than to
repent later. Use the following best practices:
- Install a complete security program on your PC
- Scan your PC regularly
- Practice safe Internet browsing habits
- Never click on unsolicited mails or links
