TECHNOLOGY
Security experts have asked computer users to avoid Internet Explorer.
Computer security experts are urging PC users to temporarily stop browsing the Web with Microsoft Corp's Internet Explorer, saying a newly identified bug in the software makes computers susceptible to attack by hackers.
"Bad guys can use this vulnerability to do bad things to your computer. They can access all the files you have access to on your computer," said Tod Beardsley, an engineering manager with the security firm Rapid7.
In response to a request for comment, Microsoft said in a statement, "We are actively investigating these reports and will take the necessary steps to help protect customers."
In the meantime, security experts said that computer users should avoid Internet Explorer.
"There are other browsers that people can use temporarily until the problem gets fixed. Or they can gamble," said Paul Ferguson, senior threat researcher with Japanese anti-virus software maker Trend Micro Inc.
"Why take the risk? I'd stay the heck away," said Jeff Bardin, chief intelligence officer with Treadstone 71, a cyber security consulting firm.
Eric Romang, a security adviser with e-Business & Resilience Centre, a firm in Luxembourg, discovered the bug on Friday while investigating servers that he suspected were being used by hackers, according to his blog.
Those hackers had figured out a way to infect computers by exploiting the previously unknown vulnerability in Internet Explorer, according to Beardsley.
The hackers could put malicious code onto healthy websites and cause surfers who visited those sites to have their machines infected, Beardsley said.
Internet Explorer was the world's second-most widely used browser last month, with about 33 percent market share, according to StatCounter. It was close behind Google Inc's Chrome browser, which had 34 percent of the market.
Marc Maiffret, chief technology officer of security firm BeyondTrust, said that some businesses may not be able to stop using Internet Explorer because they use applications or sites that are not compatible with Chrome or other options.
He said that such companies might consider making their systems compatible with Chrome.
Watch: Priyanka Chopra lands in Mumbai days after brother’s wedding, helps a person on streets by…
'They have a lot more money': Trump questions USD 21 million fund for voter turnout in India
Bank Holiday Today: Banks to remain closed on February 19 in THIS state due to...
Donald Trump signs executive order to expand access to IVF
Meet woman, who left her medical career for husband who became one of India's richest men
Meet IPS officer, who has been demoted due to his 2nd marriage; here's why
How Elon Musk became world's richest man with Rs 33 lakh crore business empire
DNA TV Show: Conflicting data on Delhi station stampede reveals communication gap
WATCH: Baba Ramdev at 59 takes part in race with horse, netizens say 'Olympics me chalo'
Delhi woman turns auto driver to support daughter, her story goes viral
Viral video declares Rajat Patidar ‘Captain of Captains’ after RCB names him Skipper, here's why
Indian Army havildar loses teen son, saves others’ lives by...
WPL 2025: Smriti Mandhana creates history during RCB vs DC match, becomes first player to cross...
Ronit Roy says he was the first choice for Pardes but he was replaced by...because...
‘Papa killed mummy': 4-year-old's drawing creates suspicion over woman’s alleged suicide
Sunil Mittal gets Rs 8486 crore after selling....; still seeks funds for newer...
How a low cost floor cleaning robot revolutinising home automation – Check details
Harvard Alum Aayush Puri: Move back to India, the future is here
Vicky Kaushal reveals how his fight scene with lion in Chhaava was shot: 'We were all so...'
Shabana Azmi holds her ears, issues public apology to Dabba Cartel co-star Jyotika; here's why
Meet Arvind Kejriwal’s daughter, who cracked IIT-JEE Advanced, went to IIT Delhi, now working as...
'Kohli never said a word': Pakistan's Haris Rauf on Virat Kohli hitting sixes against him in...
Bengaluru to witness hottest summer says IMD, recorded season’s highest temperature at...
Ranveer Singh to venture in production amid box office slump? Here's the truth
Where to Buy Testosterone in the USA? Top 3 Best Brands of Testosterone Cypionate in 2025
Pregnant woman employee gets Rs 1 crore compensation after being fired through...
ELECRAMA 2025: Powering the Future of Energy
Steroids for Sale in the USA: Buy Steroids Online in 2025
How to Choose Trenbolone for Sale Online? Review of Popular Trenbolone Manufacturers
After disrupting Indian market, Mukesh Ambani takes THIS popular brand to...
Remedium Lifecare Lands Rs 182 Crore Multi-Year Contract: Stock Set for Major Upturn
Former ISRO chief AS Kiran Kumar visits Goenka Temple, expresses hope for successful Mars mission
Anil Ambani's Rs 9831 crore company set to enter NEW space, makes key...
347 rooms, Rs 22400 crore worth: India's most expensive wedding venue is located in...
Vladimir Putin's BIG warning to Ukraine, will negotiate only if...
Woman constable carries baby on duty, RPSF says, 'she serves, she...', video goes viral
'Caught Red-Handed': Cognizant accuses Narayana Murthy's Infosys of stealing THIS secret in...
'Bharat Jodo Vivah': Wedding invite of Jammu's daughter, Kerala's son wows internet
Radhika Apte shares first post after sparking controversy with breast pump photo: 'We are very...'
Pavitra Rishta fame Usha Nadkarni cries inconsolably as she remembers her brother's death, watch
MASSIVE discount on Apple iPhone 16, iPhone 15, check here how to grab this deal
Juhi Chawla takes holy dip at Mahakumbh 2025, calls it 'most beautiful morning in her life'
Deepinder Goyal's Zomato launches first AI product ‘Nugget,’ says will give it for free to…
Champions Trophy 2025: 5 major records that Virat Kohli can break in this tournament
Shweta Basu Prasad says she was bullied on Telugu film set: 'I was called...'
Gujarat: Lion brings traffic to a halt at Bhavnagar-Somnath highway, watch viral video
India's Got Latent row: SC grants interim relief from arrest to Ranveer Allahbadia
Tesla begins hiring in India after PM Modi-Musk meet, announces multiple job roles in...
Gurugram woman shares interview experience at Zomato, CEO Deepinder Goyal reacts, says...
'Sir ek kiss ho jaye': Paps unleash a horror welcome on Udit Narayan
Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt REUNITE for Hollywood thriller, filming begins in Saudi Arabia: Report