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    Microsoft IE 11 security vulnerability: How to protect your…

    Lately, it seems as though we are dealing with new cyber-vulnerabilities and security weaknesses every couple of weeks. The latest of these hit news headlines when Microsoft publicly confirmed a security flaw in Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. This leaves Internet Explorer 11 users open to attack and makes websites vulnerable to hackers.
    The unpatched security vulnerability could be exploited in a number of ways and used to carry out malicious browser-based attacks. These include:

    • Phishing, by triggering users to access a website or click on a link
    • Hijacking a user’s browser
    • Steal sensitive information viewed by users on a website such as bank accounts, personal details, logins etc.
    • Pseudo defacement or faking damage to a website
    • Compromise of the user’s computer

    Here comes the science…
    There is a way to reduce the risk of data breach and loss of security. Website owners can carry this out by implementing “X-Frame-Options” headers on all pages of the domain. The same can be implemented for the trusted domain by choosing the “allow-from” option. The result: reduce the attack windows and mitigate the use of iframe.
    The X-Frame-Options HTTP response header can also be used to indicate whether or not a browser should be allowed to render a page in a <frame>,<iframe> or <object>.
    Protection for not so technical users..
    If you’re an end-user and are using Internet Explorer, the best way to be protected is to use another web browser, such as Firefox or Chrome, until Microsoft provides a patch.
    Stay one step ahead of vulnerabilities..
    This latest flaw is not the first and certainly won’t be the last weakness that could open up your organisation to potential harm. Our advice is to try to remain as proactive and vigilant as possible in safeguarding your business and your data against the latest threats. Feel free to contact us today to discuss how we can help you to remain protected at all times.