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.

Side Hustle

At 16, She Started a Side Hustle While 'Stuck at Home.' Now It's on Track to Earn Over $3.1 Million This Year.

Evangelina Petrakis, 21, was in high school when she posted on social media for fun — then realized a business opportunity.

Business News

Hybrid Workers Were Put to the Test Against Fully In-Office Employees — Here's Who Came Out On Top

Productivity barely changed whether employees were in the office or not. However, hybrid workers reported better job satisfaction than in-office workers.

Leadership

Skip the Small Talk — Use This Powerful Tool to Build Meaningful Relationships and Create Lasting Change

Unlock the power of public narrative and discover why it's important for entrepreneurs to reflect on the experiences and values that have shaped them and led them to do what they do.

Leadership

Research Reveals 1 in 3 Americans Would Turn Down Their Dream Job for This Specific Reason

A survey of 2,000 Americans reveals just how important this benefit is for job-seekers.

Making a Change

Learn Languages and Become Fluent in 2025: A Lifetime of Babbel Is Just $149.97

It can be perfect for career growth and global connection.

Business News

Gen Z Is Rejecting Office Jobs Due to Commuting and Clothing Costs, a New Study Finds

Workers who go into the office spend thousands more a year than those who don't — and Gen Z is already over it.