Join our Waitlist for Expert Advice!

Internet Explorer Users Face Security Risks and Issues Older versions of the browser are vulnerable to hackers and will be left behind for Google updates.

By Jason Fell

Internet Explorer Users Face Security Risks and  Issues
image credit: ZDNet

If you and your employees use Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE), you may be at risk for having your computers taken over by hackers.

Microsoft has confirmed that hackers are exploiting a vulnerability in versions 7, 8, and 9 of the Internet Explorer browser. Microsoft said that it has received reports of a small number of "targeted attacks" that occur when an IE user views a site that's hosting malicious code. A hacker is able to add that code to your computer and remotely take control over it -- adding or deleting files, setting up new accounts or worse.

News of the attacks was first reported by Boston-based security firm Rapid7.

Related: 3 Tips for Beefing Up Password Security (Infographic)

Microsoft says it is working on a security update to address the vulnerability. In the meantime, the tech giant advises users of the affected versions of the browser to implement several workarounds while it finds a permanent solution. Another option is switching to another browser entirely, such as Firefox or Google Chrome.

Meanwhile, Google has alerted IE users that, starting November 15, its popular Google Apps will no longer run on IE 8 or earlier versions of the browser. Google said the editions that will be affected include Google Apps, Google Apps for Business, Education and Government.

That means if you use IE to access Google's mail, calendars and other applications for business, make sure that you've updated your browser to the latest available version.

Related: What 'DDoS' Attacks Are and How to Survive Them

Jason Fell

Entrepreneur Staff

VP, Native Content

Jason Fell is the VP of Native Content, managing the Entrepreneur Partner Studio, which creates dynamic and compelling content for our partners. He previously served as Entrepreneur.com's managing editor and as the technology editor prior to that.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

A Billionaire Founder Admits He Had 'Horrible Habits' — Then He Started a Morning Routine That 'Transformed' His Life

Kind Snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky used to go to sleep at 2 a.m. and skip his morning workout.

Starting a Business

I Quit My Corporate Job to Start a Business. Here's How I Went From Having $35,000 Credit Card Debt to Making $4 Million.

Courtney Allen, founder and CEO of presentation design agency 16x9, "recklessly" left corporate life behind in 2015 to pursue entrepreneurship.

Business News

You Have One Month Left to Buy a House, According to Barbara Corcoran. Here's Why.

"If you are planning on waiting a year and seeing where interest rates go, you are out of your mind," Corcoran said.

Business News

Google's CEO Says AI Is Now Responsible for 25% of 'All New Code' Created at the Company

Google CEO Sundar Pichai said engineers are moving faster because of AI.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.