Microsoft fixing security breach with Internet Explorer - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

A warning for Internet users - there's a security breach with one of the most popular web browsers. Now some experts are recommending Internet Explorer users to use other browsers until the problem is fixed.

A government security agency in Germany is warning users around the world after it found a security breach for people that use the browsing giant.

These hackers are luring users to an infected web site through an emailed link.

Computer experts say you should never open an email from someone you don't know

"Most of these attacks don't succeed until the perpetrator causes you, the recipient, to do something that enables him to do it," said Currie Carter with Mr. Wizzard Computer Services in Richmond.

Microsoft says it's already working to update its security to patch this hole.

Some experts say you should play it safe and switch to another browser for a few days while Microsoft fixes the problem.

In the meantime here are some other things you can do to keep yourself safe.

First, update your anti-virus software. Next, change the settings on your browser to run in a protected mode. Finally, set the security levels on your browser to high.

Carter says every browser out there is complicated and open to attacks like this.

"There's no way that a perfect product can be put on the market," Carter said. "If they waited until they got it perfect, it would never come out the door and be so expensive nobody could afford it."

But he says if you're computer is protected and you use the Internet with a healthy dose of skepticism - you should be safe.

Experts say Microsoft will likely have a software update in the next 48 hours.

Microsoft says it doesn't appear these attackers are targeting the general public. This may be the work of Chinese hackers going after political dissidents. 

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