Dell to fix flaw of its own making that puts its computers at risk

Number: IRCNE2015112698
Date: 2015/11/25

According to “cnet”, computer maker Dell warned late Monday of a security hole affecting recently shipped computers that could leave users vulnerable to hackers.
The issue affects computers made by Dell that come with a particular preinstalled customer service program. Through a certificate that would identify the computer to Dell support staff, this program makes the computers vulnerable to intrusions and could allow hackers to access encrypted messages to and from the machines, Dell said. There is also a risk that attackers could attempt to reroute Internet traffic to sites that look genuine but are in fact dangerous imitations.
Dell said that customers should take steps to remove the certificate from their laptops, offering instructions on how to do that manually. Starting Tuesday, it also plans to push a software update to computers to check for the certificate and then remove it.
"Customer security and privacy is a top concern and priority," the Round Rock, Texas-based company said in a statement. Dell did not respond to a request for more information.