Business Security Information

Just last month I wrote an article on “Choosing a Secure Web Browser” after a recent attack using vulnerabilities in the Internet Explorer 6 (IE) web browser.   In that article, I stated that security researchers and some governments were recommending that people change to a different web browser or at least upgrade to IE8 (you can read the full article using the above link).  Just this weekend, a couple of other security researchers announced another vulnerability involving IE web browsers including IE8.  This vulnerability was confirmed on Monday by Microsoft.  The question now is whether to wait for a patch from Microsoft or to change web browsers?  Let’s look at the highlights of the vulnerability to determine the right answer for you and your business.

Magnetic Switch

Most security alarm systems have magnetic switches or reed switches which are usually utilized as door contacts and to secure some types of windows.  These sensors have been vulnerable to different attack methods for some time (Bypass Movie 1), but UL (Underwriters Laboratory) has recently changed the requirements for magnetic switches.  This was done to make these switches harder to defeat.  Underwriter Laboratories established a Level 2 which defined requirements to better protect the switch from being bypassed.  You can read the requirements in UL 634 if you want to read the whole standard.