Safety notice: Update your WinRAR to avoid potential attacks

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WinRAR, a widely-used archiving software was found to have a bug that allows hackers to control your computer and steal your files.

The bug was made public on Wednesday by computer security company CheckPoint.

Hackers can prepare an ACE-format archive file and plant Trojans on your computer when you open it, as CheckPoint tested.

"This vulnerability has existed for over 19 years," CheckPoint claimed in an article describing the bug.

The company contacted the maker of WinRAR and a new version has been released, which cannot open ACE-format file anymore, thus removed the bug.

We at CGTN Digital recommend all WinRAR users to check out for the new version (at least 5.70 beta 1).

In a note released with the new version, the creators said the bugged file "had not been updated since 2005, and we do not have access to its source code". And that's why they have to stop supporting ACE files.

Fear not if you are worried about being unable to open ACE files. The format is not popular anymore, and its official website has been shut down since 2007.

If you have ACE files, you can try to download the official software WinAce from The Web Archive. CGTN Digital cannot guarantee the file is 100 percent safe.

If someone sends you an ACE file, it's recommended to make sure the person is not trying to hack your computer.

We at CGTN Digital care about users' safety in the cyberspace and will keep informing you about serious safety threats.