by Search Copywriter
D. Warburton
D. Warburton
Microsoft has leapt into action with a new security patch for Internet Explorer after German and French governments urged citizens to seek out alternative web browsers.The software giant admitted that a flaw in the code of Internet Explorer 6 may have been exploited by those responsible for the recent cyber-attacks that the BBC reports are alleged to have hit more than 30 companies, including Google and Adobe.
It is unusual for Microsoft to issue a patch outside of its regular monthly updates, but according to the general manager at the company's security group, George Stathakopoulos, the decision was necessary.
Mr Stathakopoulos explained: "Given the significant level of attention this issue has generated, confusion about what customers can do to protect themselves and the escalating threat environment Microsoft will release a security update out-of-band for this vulnerability.
"We take the decision to go out-of-band very seriously given the impact to customers, but we believe releasing an update is the right decision at this time."
However, Microsoft is adamant that the only successful attacks "to date" were against IE 6, and the company is assuring customers that their latest browser, Internet Explorer 8, offers "improved security protection."
Plugging the security leak seems to have been a necessary response by Microsoft, after the European government warnings drove a surge of users to alternative browsers, such as Firefox and Google's Chrome.
Web analytics firm StatCounter revealed that Firefox is now a close second to Internet Explorer in Europe with 40 per cent of the market share, compared to Microsoft's 45 per cent. However, the firm also revealed that Firefox has now overtaken Internet Explorer in some markets, including Germany and Australia.
