Technology news site The Register today identified its ad serving provider, Falk AG, as the source of banner ads which spread an IFRAME exploit via its web site for more than six hours Saturday. The Register apologized to its readers and recommended that they check their machines for infections.

Reports Saturday noted that the exploit appeared on numerous European sites, but it appears U.S sites may have been affected as well. An analysis of the exploit by LURHQ noted that "one of the hacked sites included a well-known Hollywood film studio's website." Falk AG's client list includes numerous entertainment properties, including NBC/Universal, The Golf Channel, The A&E Network and Sony Pictures Digital. The Dutch news site Nu.nl has also acknowledged hosting the banner exploits.

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The latest incidents are prompting a fresh round of recommendations that Web users abandon Internet Explorer in favor of alternate browsers, at least until the IFRAME hole is addressed. The Internet Storm Center gave that advice in its initial reports Saturday, and The Register today urged readers to "strongly consider running an alternative browser (to Internet Explorer), at least until Microsoft deals with the issue."