Do you use Internet Explorer? If so, you may want to consider either switching browsers or taking some serious precautions while browsing the Internet. Clicking the wrong link could expose your computer to hackers. This security threat is particularly dangerous for those who aren’t aware, or do not know how to increase security measures for their devices. Since this information can be time-consuming to research, we’d like to summarize how to best protect your property and information.
What exactly does the bug do?
If you happen to visit websites infected with malware while using the Internet Explorer browser, hackers may gain access to your computer, giving them the ability to change settings and retrieve your private information. This means that they could potentially steal your credit card information, passwords or other data of a sensitive nature. Furthermore, if someone manages to hack a work computer, it’s possible that company information could be leaked. Depending on who you work for, this breach could compromise security and funds.
How can I avoid this attack?
There are a few easy ways to protect your computer from the threat of the Internet Explorer Bug. The easiest thing to do is to switch browsers from Internet Explorer to a popular alternative, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. If you prefer to use Internet Explorer, there are ways to avoid being hacked. You’ll need to disable Adobe Flash Player and any other “extras” you run on that browser. You should also be careful about the websites you visit. If it looks like spam, leave it alone. Only trust websites that come from reputable sources, or those that you know for sure aren’t phishing scams. Last, if you have Windows XP you must upgrade to Windows 7 or higher as soon as possible. Microsoft stopped making security patches for versions before Windows 7 earlier this month.
Internet security shouldn’t be neglected, especially for businesses. Your company and customer information is of vital importance, and you don’t want just anyone accessing it. Taking the proper precautions can help you prevent intrusions like this one and put your company on the front lines of cyber security. If you need more guidance, we recommend that you contact a reputable IT consultant today.
With more than 300 commercial and governmental clients in Baltimore, Washington D.C and Northern Virginia, AIS offers both proactive support for internal IT departments and fully managed services for companies who do not have IT staff. If you have any questions about upgrading Windows XP or protecting against the Internet Explorer Bug, call us at 410-585-9505, or click today.
Source: https://www.wbaltv.com/money/Internet-Explorer-bug-lets-hacker-control-your-PC/25694748?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=wbal-tv%2B11
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