Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer 11 could spell trouble for users.
Microsoft recently made the news when it was discovered that malicious code was found in their browsing programs, most notably Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer (IE) 11. This code is designated to allow hackers or other 3rd parties to create and build websites that can cause software crashes. There is also the potential for hackers to hijack a user’s Internet browser.
Microsoft initially discovered this breach last November and were given 90 days by Google to find a fix for the problem.
Unfortunately, as of the end of February, Microsoft has been unable to find a fix to the solution.
So how can users protect themselves going forward?
1) Use Alternative Browsers
Until a fix or patch is provided by Microsoft, it’s wise to consider using a different browser for the time being. Alternatives such as Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari provide the same functionality and access as Microsoft Edge and IE 11.
Google Chrome and Firefox offer free downloads from their websites. Links to which are provided here:
Safari, on the other hand, is an iOS-based Internet browser which means it will only work with Apple devices.
2) Proactively Invest In Antivirus/Malware Protection
Evaluating the security tools and programs used to protect your system is a good practice when new threats are uncovered.
A user needs to determine whether the antivirus and malware parameters they have put in place are strong enough to protect their systems and data. If they have no systems in place, their first priority should be to acquire some.
Webroot antimalware can provide a secure layer of malware defense to your systems. Through its Cloud-based intelligence reporting, it has the ability to scan millions of computers and detect, classify, and detain malware before it reaches a device.
This proactive approach to virus scanning helps stop problems before they happen.
Making sure that your computers and devices are up-to-date with a robust antivirus or malware program which will help guard and alert you to any potential problems.
There’s Satisfaction in Precaution
Deciding to use a different Internet browser such as Google Chrome or Firefox and investing in good antivirus and malware solutions are best practices to take into consideration until Microsoft discovers a fix for its browser issues.
Whether Microsoft’s browser bug will spell trouble in terms of increased hacker activity is unclear. Currently, the number of hackers attempting to take advantage of the flaw in Microsoft’s browsers is low.
However, this could change as news filters out that the flaw exists. Better to be safe than sorry and take steps to protect your systems in case the environment changes.
BBC News (2017, February 28). Bad bug found in Microsoft browsing code. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-39114101
Courtney Rosebush is a Marketing and Sales Coordinator at Triella, a technology consulting firm specializing in providing technology audits, planning advice, project management and other CIO-related services to small and medium sized firms. Courtney can be reached at 647.426.1004 x 227. For additional articles, go to www.triella.com/publications. Triella is a VMware Professional Partner, Microsoft Certified Partner, Citrix Solution Advisor – Silver, Dell Preferred Partner, Authorized Worldox Reseller and a Kaspersky Reseller.
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