Earlier this week, Internet Explorer made global headlines after it was reported that a significant security flaw was found within Microsoft's web browser. Even more disconcerting was the realization that this problem, despite its recent discovery, has actually existed in every iteration of Internet Explorer, from 2001's IE6 to today's IE11. Hackers are already rushing to exploit this new security lapse for their own goals - namely, to breach into other people's computers and commit identity theft. While the finer details of the IE flaw may fly over most heads, the gist of it is that the way the browser utilizes memory when visiting a website can become corrupted, allowing cyber attacks to influence your web searching habits and, in turn, access the computer that you may be browsing from. This would allow any hacker to get their hands on sensitive personal and financial credentials you may be storing on your PC and put you at risk for identity theft. To better safeguard your private information and keep cyber attackers out of your life, here are four recommendations from Time Magazine on getting around this Internet Explorer security hack:
- Install toolkit from Microsoft: While the tech giant has yet to release a solution for patching up this security lapse, Microsoft has made a toolkit available to its users that can better protect IE and minimize the vulnerability's potential for exploitation. Download and install this toolkit as soon as possible, but be aware that it will only reduce your chances of being hacked, not eliminate them completely.
- Stay away from suspicious links or emails: The IE security flaw can only be exploited by hackers if you visit a website specially created to infect your browser and computer. Steer clear of any links - particularly those sent through email or chat messages - that look suspicious, as they could potentially direct you to one of these malware sites. This is a good web browsing practice that you should use consistently when online, regardless of the current IE problem.
- Switch browsers: While many PC users have since made the switch to rivals like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, approximately 26 percent of the web browsing market continues to use Internet Explorer. Those people, for the time being at least, should move to an alternative like either of the above until Microsoft releases a security patch.
- Increase IE security levels: If all else fails, open the Tools menu in IE, click Internet Options and then navigate through the Security — > Internet tabs. Set your security levels up to High. Then repeat this step under the Local intranet tab too. This should only be a measure of last resort, though, as increasing security this way can affect the performance of your browser.
