It seems that Symantec has reported that the number of security vulnerabilities in web browsers is growing with the most being found in Firefox. But, it’s also reported that Firefox is also the fastest to patch these vulnerabilities.
According to the most recent update to security-firm Symantec’s biannual Internet Security Threat Report, the last six months saw a significant uptick in the number of security vulnerabilities found in web browsers. Leading the way was Firefox, with 47 bugs discovered. Researchers and hackers discovered 38 vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer, 12 in Safari, and seven in Opera.The numbers cover a six-month period from January 1 through June 30, 2006. Symantec says its data comes from over 40,000 sensors the company has deployed around the world as well as its database of vulnerabilities.
It’s important to remember to always be careful when on the Internet with “any” browser and to keep any software patches up to date.
On one occasion where i work, we got burned by a single day’s delay of applying patches. A Internet worm infected a machine where the patch for that vulnerability had be released only the evening before.
technorati tags:internet, browser, firefox, ie, safari, opera, security