Patched Flaw Could Have Broken Internet Backbone

This week, system administrators across the globe are rushing to fix an Internet-wide security flaw. The issue, discovered in the domain name system, would allow a hacker to gain access to domain name records and redirect traffic to an alternate location. That would mean trying to access something like your bank’s Web site could take you instead to a malicious page designed to steal your information. Numerous major technology companies — including Microsoft, Sun Microsystems and Red Hat — released patches Tuesday.