On 21 January, Microsoft released Security Bulletin MS10-002 out-of-band to address vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer. All customers using currently supported versions of Windows and Internet Explorer should apply this update as soon as possible. Once applied, customers are protected against the known attacks that have been widely publicised. For customers using automatic updates, this update will automatically be applied once it is released.

“Customers using Internet Explorer 8 are not affected by currently known attacks and exploits due to the improved security protections provided in IE8,” said Louise Mifsud, Marketing Manager for Microsoft Malta. Nonetheless Microsoft recommends users to still apply the update as soon as possible.

Microsoft Windows Internet Explorer 8 is the latest version of the world’s most popular browser that has been built from the ground up to be the best browser for the way people really use the Web. Faster, easier and safer than ever before, Internet Explorer 8 optimises developer and end-user experiences to provide a window to the Web of online services. Moreover, Internet Explorer 8 offers new features and functionality that enables people to reach beyond the page in a number of faster, easier, and more secure ways.

“While is it is unfortunate that our product is being used in pursuit of criminal activity, we will continue our cooperation with Google, industry leaders and the appropriate authorities to investigate this situation.”