Paypal to Block Old Browsers from Accessing its Site

In an effort to battle security threats Paypal announced today that it will block "unsafe browsers" from using its services. It is trying to step up its anti-phishing efforts. Older web browsers are considered unsafe because the lack many security features the newer browsers have. Paypal said it was "an alarming fact that there is a significant set of users who use very old and vulnerable browsers such as Internet Explorer 4". Some users were still using Internet Explorer 3 (a browser more than 10 years old).

In an article released by Paypal security officers Michael Barrett and Dan Levy entitled"A Practicle Approach to Managing Phishing" they imply that allowing users with unsafe browsers to access their site is an irresponsible act. They go on to say, "In our view letting users view the PayPal site on [an unsafe] browser is equal to a car manufacturer allowing drivers to buy one of their vehicles without seatbelts."

I'm glad to see that paypal is taking proactive steps to mitigate risk. Companies should take more responsibility for preventing security breaches and fraud associated with their sites. The same is true for consumers. They should be forced to comply with minimum security standards if they are to surf on public domains. I wouldn't be surprised if we see laws in the near future that enforce these types of measures. This was actually hinted at the recent RSA conference.

Vassilios

_____________________

Vassilios
Co-Founder
OuterVillage.com
http://outervillage.com

If you enjoyed this posting please subscribe to our RSS feed or submit it to your favorite social networks.