If you are a user of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft's operating system, you will know that it has Internet Explorer (IE) included as its default browser, which although it is a popular browser and was a pioneering tool for searching for information on the web in 90's, currently lacks virtues compared to its competitors such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera. And among its deficiencies, the cybernaut's insecurity when browsing the Internet is the one that causes the greatest alarm.

Despite having a long history in computing, today we know that IE has a “bug”, a flaw that allows hackers to invade the computer of vulnerable users and thus appropriate privileged information. This is even more aggravated with Windows XP users, since Microsoft stopped supporting this operating system.

What is the modus operandi of cybercriminals? It's all about clicking on a malicious link. According to FireEye, security experts against cyberattacks, hackers create a ghost server (similar to the original site) that installs malware when you visit it from Internet Explorer, so the malicious software has access to your computer and gives a stranger the total control of the device without you realizing it, allowing it to access your documents, access your email, as well as knowing your passwords used for social networks, favorite sites and banking portals.

Although they do not necessarily take advantage of infected sites, they also use banners with misleading advertising and online games. Let us remember that until now its purpose is only possible through Internet Explorer, from version 6 to the current one, 11.

The threat also takes advantage of Microsoft browser extensions, so, to reduce the possibility of intrusion, it is necessary to use it in its “virgin” version, that is, without any extra plugin. The most used for cyberattack is the Adobe Flash plugin because it allows the display of multimedia content on the network. However, the Internet user's vulnerability remains latent despite resorting to this measure.

In a previous installment we talked about the need to use the latest version of IE to enjoy more efficient navigation, corresponding to the new trends implemented in current web pages; However, Explorer has definitely stopped being an option for searching for information on the Internet until Microsoft guarantees the security that Internet users demand.

Recommendations.

  1. Avoid bad times in your browsing experience and use other tools such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera.
  2. If you are still a Windows XP user, update and migrate to the Windows 7 or Windows 8 version.
  3. Use an antivirus that is constantly updated and has support for detecting threats in real time.
  4. Visit secure sites that start with “https:”. Some browsers also include a lock icon next to the URL, indicating that the site is trustworthy. Check it. 

Alejandro Badillo.