Microsoft studies browser flaw that may aid ID theft

0 Comments | USA TODAY, December, 2003 | by Byron Acohido

SEATTLE -- Microsoft is investigating whether to patch a flaw in Internet Explorer that makes it easier for scam artists to commit identity theft.

The Web browser flaw, discovered Tuesday by Danish tech security firm Secunia, could trigger a surge in an e-mail scam, called phishing, security experts say.

The software giant earlier this week said that December would be the first month in more than two years during which it would not have to issue a security patch. But it continues to examine whether to issue patches for a half dozen other browser security holes reported by Secunia in late November. Those flaws can allow a hacker to use the Internet to take control of a victim's PC.

Phishing has plagued eBay and its online payment division, PayPal, for two...