U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Avoid Internet Explorer Until Bug Fixed

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has given a blanket advisory for computer user to avoid Microsofts Internet Explorer and consider using alternatives browsers until the company fixes a security flaw that hackers have used to launch attacks. The new zero-day threat dubbed, Operation Clandestine Fox compromises all current versions of IE versions 9 through 11 making up over 25% of the total user base who use the internet. If you add in those folks who use Windows XP and other obsolete versions of the browser (versions 6, 7, and 8) then the number of potentially affected users shoots up to 56% of all internet users!

Microsoft has addressed the issue in a security advisory post and says it is working on a patch to fix the issue. In the meantime, it is best to use an alternative browser such as Chrome or Firefox. If you just cant get away from using IE, then it is strongly suggested you download Microsofts Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (version 4.1) that will allow your IE browser to run in an enhanced security mode to improve your exposure to attack. You can download Microsofts EMET from the Microsoft TechNet page here: http://www.microsoft.com/emet