Experts warn Internet Explorer is unsafe

Several internet security experts have warned that those people browsing the net on their Windows
PC using Internet Explorer 6, 7, 8 or 9 are at risk due to a critical vulnerability in the program.

On Monday Microsoft, who make the browser, warned that hackers have been exploiting the hole in
the software, which allows them to take over others’ computers remotely, though the company
did say that those people running IE10 on the Release Preview of Windows 8 are unlikely to have
problems.

The software giant has had a “small number of targeted attacks” reported where hackers have been
making use of this exploit. Microsoft are working on a patch to prevent the issue occurring in future,
though it looks like it may not be available until October 8th, as part of its monthly Patch Tuesday
cycle.

According to Net Market Share, Microsoft Internet Explorer users make up almost half the number
of people browsing the web, which is why experts are warning people to make use of one of
the other readily available browsers such as Chrome, Opera or Firefox. It’s also vital that users
have internet security on, as this will undoubtedly reduce the risk faced.

Microsoft says that the hack involves third parties taking advantage of corrupted code on the
computer which allows malicious code to be executed. This unfortunately means that hackers would
have the exact same level of control as the user, and if you are logged on as a system administrator
then there’s no limit to what could be done to your PC.

Microsoft itself advise a number of measures, most especially turning off active scripting, though it is far simpler to
switch browsers, or consider a less vulnerable operating system, with Apple’s Mac OS easily the best
of the bunch.

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