Microsoft has issued a series of emergency security patches for certain versions of Internet Explorer that criminals are actively exploiting to gain broad access to computer systems.
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Microsoft threat found by Google team
The exploit, which was reportedly discovered by Google’s Threat Analysis Team, sends users to an infected website that secretly downloads malware giving hackers access to any system the user can access.
The fear here is that criminals could use phony phishing attempts to driver unsuspecting victim to fake websites that mimic those of popular retailer making a final holiday push.
The flaw affects older versions of the IE browser including:
- Windows 7 and 10
- Windows Server 2012, 2016 and 2019 versions of Explorer 11
- Explorer 10 for Windows Server 2012
- Explorer 9 for Windows Server 2008
Microsoft’s patch for the vulnerability is being deployed.
If you’re still using Internet Explorer, make sure you’re running the most current version, particularly as we head into the last big shopping weekend before Christmas.
