Security threat alert: Windows Vista users beware!

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