Microsoft Explorer, Security at Risk

While Microsoft is working to fix the Explorer bug discovered in versions 6 through 11 as soon as possible, there is a global security alert. According to the Financial Times, the identities of several users of Bill Gates‘ browser could be compromised by cybercriminals who, thanks to the bug, could present themselves with “friendly identities.”

While waiting for the browser update from Microsoft, it’s wise to take some precautions to avoid the exposed problem. Although Microsoft, which has obviously confirmed the issue, does not suggest using another browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc.), this is precisely what is recommended, especially during these hours of waiting for the update. While waiting for the patch, however, Microsoft has advised increasing the browser’s security system through advanced software management for Explorer (valid from version 9 onwards). Users of operating systems, and therefore browsers, other than those of Microsoft are, of course, protected.

For users of Windows XP, it is also advisable to exclusively use a browser other than Microsoft Explorer, as the bug-fixing update cannot be expected for an operating system considered obsolete by Microsoft and therefore no longer updated.

The flaw in Microsoft Explorer was discovered by researchers at FireEye and, according to estimates, could affect one in four computers worldwide. A few years ago, the estimate would have reported much higher figures given the widespread use of Windows‘ browser and the lack of alternatives during that period.

Update of May 2, 2014. Microsoft has extended the update that patches the aforementioned vulnerability to Windows XP as well, although it encourages users to switch to a newer operating system (Windows 7/8) and a more recent browser (Internet Explorer 11).