Did You Hear The News This Week? Serious Internet Explorer Vulnerability Impact Business Across The Country.

So serious that Homeland Security issued a warning – read about it here.

Here are some basic steps you should take to prevent devastating IE exploits.

With the recently revealed vulnerability in Internet Explorer (IE), your computer could be completely taken over if you don’t follow certain precautions.  This is especially so if you are still using Windows XP.  Microsoft will eventually release a patch for the IE bug, but not so if you are using XP.

Nevertheless, you shouldn’t wait for Microsoft to come to the rescue.  No one knows when this will happen.  In the meantime, the following are steps you can take to ensure you aren’t a victim of a hacking from the IE bug.

1. Stop using Internet Explorer altogether.  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security advises everyone to stop using IE until Microsoft finds a solution to the problem.  Use other browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Apple Safari

2. Disable Your Adobe Flash Add-On.

The Adobe Flash plugin for Internet Explorer is causing a problem.  Be sure to disable it from inside your IE program.

3.  Download EMET.

Deploying Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit 4.1 (EMET) helps protect against the IE vulnerability.  It’s not foolproof, but it can’t hurt to use it.    Go to: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2458544

4.  Install antivirus and antispyware software. 
It’s critical that you install an antivirus/antispyware program on your computer.  They can detect and remove malware and filter out dangerous downloads and emails.

5. Ensure your Firewall is turned on.
Your computer operating system should have a firewall built in. If not, you need to install one.  If so, make sure it’s turned on.

6. Keep your software updated. 
Install the latest software patches from Microsoft. (You should always do this.) This is essential for the security of your system.  Go to: http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/updates.aspx

7. Don’t open unknown links or emails. 
This should be a good habit of yours by now.  Avoid opening any strange-looking links, or emails from people you don’t know.

8.  Call {company} for more information.

Remember, if you continue to use Internet Explorer before a patch is released, you do so at your own risk.  At least by taking these steps, you’ve done all you can do.   Except, you should still contact {company} and stay in touch with us so we can keep you abreast of the situation.  Call {phone} or email us at {email} for more information.