Internet Explorer 6, 7, 8, and 9 users need to be aware of the newly discovered security flaw that is allowing hackers to take over PC’s that are using IE, according to Microsoft in a press release.

Microsoft also states that the exploit allows hackers to take advantage of corrupted memory in a user’s system, executing malicious codes on the PC. Microsoft said that because of this, hackers are able to have full control over a user’s PC, including viewing, changing or deleting files as well as creating new user accounts with full administrative rights, according to a press release.

Another press release states that the security flaw was discovered by Security Researcher Eric Romang, who stated that hackers are launching attacks through the bug, specifically against defence contractors.

The press release said on Thursday, Sept. 20, Windows released an emergency security patch that is expected to help fix the code execution flaw in Windows and versions 7, 8, and 9 of the browser.

“I would suggest people either install the security tool or use another browser, perhaps Safari or Chrome until an updated IE9 is released,” said Al Heitkamper, Computer Science professor.

For more information, email Al Heitkamper at aheitkamper@occc.edu.

To contact Paris Burris, email onlineeditor@occc.edu.