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Bugs & Fixes: Save Your PC From Virus Attacks

By Stuart J. Johnston, PCW Print    Feb 27, 2002 1:00 AM

In Brief: New Netscape Hole

A security flaw in Netscape Navigator versions 6 through 6.2 could allow sly Web site operators a peek at your PC's cookies. Netscape plugged the hole in the latest version of its browser--6.2.1. The company says it also added new features, such as customizable security tools.

Supercookies: You Are Being watched

If you're a fan of Microsoft's Windows Media Player, you need to know that the sites you visit may be tracking your movements on the Web without your knowledge. According to recent findings by privacy maven Richard M. Smith, the problem goes back to a design flaw in the player itself. By writing JavaScript code, snoops can grab the unique ID number of your player and follow you around. These tracking devices are called "supercookies."

It's easy to disable this tracking function. In versions 6.4 through 7.1 of the player, select Tools, Options, and then deselect Allow Internet sites to uniquely identify your player. If you have older versions of the player, you need to upgrade to version 7.1. To protect yourself, get the download.

Bugged?

Found a hardware or software bug? Tell us about it via e-mail at bugs@pcworld.com.

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