Jason Broomfield

Kidderminster

Consultant

I get more then a little fed up with all these reports blaming IE and Windows for security flaws.

Yes there are problems with Windows and IE, however Microsoft also work hard to resolve them when they are discovered.

The simple fact is that computer users should be more aware of the risks of going on-line and take more responsibility for ensuring that their PC is protected. That means using up to date Anti-Virus software, installing and configuring a Firewall, using Spam filters and installing a Spyware application to regularly sweep for trojans, spyware and adware.

What people also need to bear in mind is the Windows OS and Internet Explorer combination is used by the vast majority of the PC using population out there, which makes it an easy target for criminals, virus writers and malware authors. If Linux, Mozilla Firefox, Thunderbird, Netscape et al, had anywhere near the same level of market share they would no doubt be targetted in the same way that Windows and IE is now.

The bottom line is this, there is no magic silver bullet that will get get rid of and prevent these things from happening. The Cyber Criminal is getting smarter all the time and will always be figuring out ways to compromise our PC's.

It's up to us as users to protect ourselves as best we can and that means becoming more savvy and aware of the risks involved and taking appropriate steps to protect ourselves and our PC's.