Computer experts have released software for the purpose of tackling a security glitch existing in the internet’s addressing system. The flaw was discovered by accident. It would have redirected internet users to fake webpages, even if they got the correct address in a browser. Internet giants like Microsoft are now busy distributing the security patch.

According to security expert Dan Kaminsky, the case was unprecedented. He added,

People should be concerned, but they should not be panicking. We have bought you as much time as possible to test and apply the patch. Something of this scale has never happened before.

Mr Kaminsky noted the error in the functioning of DNS (Domain Name System) about six months ago.

DNS is used for converting web addresses written in words like www.bbc.co.uk into the numerical sequences employed by computers to route internet traffic. The flaw is related to the way the servers, which translate words into numbers, handle the requests they receive. Unresolved it would make it possible to operate ‘phishing’ and users can get tricked into revealing credit card details or other vital personal data.