NEWS
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jayne Conway
Ananke IT Solutions
www.ananke.com
Phone: 401.808.8453
Email: jayne.conway@ananke.com
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND- July 9, 2009
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Ananke IT Solutions warns of a computer security vulnerability which could potentially infect millions of computers worldwide. The Microsoft Video ActiveX control vulnerability does not have a ‘patch’ or software fix ready to fix the issue yet. Because this vulnerability is being actively exploited by hackers, Microsoft took the rare step of alerting customers and providing a temporary “workaround” to address this problem.
The vulnerability disclosed Monday affects Internet Explorer users whose computers run the Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 operating software. It can allow hackers to remotely take control of victims’ machines. The victims don’t need to do anything to get infected except visit a Web site that’s been hacked.
Security experts say criminals have been attacking the vulnerability for nearly a week, with thousands of sites already hacked to serve up malicious software that exploits the vulnerability. People are lured to these infected sites by clicking a link found in spam e-mail.
The ActiveX control vulnerability affects a part of the software used to play video. The problem arises from the way the software interacts with Internet Explorer, which opens a hole for hackers to tunnel into. Most vulnerable are Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 users who are urged to disable the problematic part of its software. This temporary workaround can be done directly from Ananke’s website, while a patch for the problem is being developed.
“We recommend that everyone implement the temporary workarounds outlined in Microsoft’s Security Advisory”, states John Conway, President & CEO of Ananke IT Solutions. “Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 customers are not affected by the security vulnerability as of yet, but we recommend that they also implement the workarounds as a defense measure”, added Conway.
“If your computer has already been exposed to this vulnerability, an Ananke Specialist can help with the safe removal of the infection on any scale,” says Derek LaRoche, an IT Specialist at Ananke.
About Ananke IT Solutions
Ananke is a leading Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and Information Technology Solutions company headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. Since 1994, Ananke has grown by providing reliable, affordable, high quality professional services, managed services, and staffing services to some of the largest companies in the world. With a diverse team of seasoned technology experts, Ananke brings a wealth of intellectual property and expertise across all industries with services such as infrastructure architecture, network security management, project implementation, migrations, outsourcing, staffing, helpdesk, datacenter services, and much more. Ananke’s clients range from small local and midsize regional companies to large global enterprises. For more information visit http://www.ananke.com or call (401) 331-2780.
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