Browser Security – What’s patching got to do with it?
Everyone knows they should patch their PC via Windows Update, right? Well if not everyone, then at least everyone who reads this blog. But what most don’t realize is that Windows Update includes only Microsoft updates, which leaves the rest of their system vulnerable. And of course Microsoft has been the Internet’s virtual whipping boy for years, often deservedly. But much of that bad press actually has more to do with the company’s size than the quality of its products, which are better engineered and more secure than most anything else. But I digress.
The point is that whether you run IE, Firefox, or Chrome, cyber-criminals know that PC security has improved so they’ve shifted strategies to exploit your weakest point: holes in your browser. So what about it? Is your browser security up to date?
“Sure my browser is secure. I use [fill in your browser's name here].” Well, just because you run IE9, Chrome 11, or Firefox 4, it turns out that doesn’t mean that purveyors of malware can’t access y our system via the armada of add-ins and plug-ins on your system. You know you’ve got ‘em. Are they current? Fortunately there’s a free tool to help you out called Browsercheck by Qualys. Browsercheck is available at browsercheck.qualys.com. You just need to install their plug-in to scan your browser. Those of you unfamiliar with Qualys, they are a security company well known to larger businesses. They have enterprise class tools to scan networks of computers for known security vulnerabilities. Fortunately for us, they have provided this free tool to assist in keeping your browser patched and secure – give it a try.
