BREAKING: Internet Explorer patch update now available.

Last Monday we notified you about the security issue with all versions of  IE (Internet Explorer).

Here is the updated information you need to have:
1. Microsoft has issued patches to resolve the issue.
2. Microsoft has also issued a patch for XP Users.

What Can You Do?
1. If you use XP, Vista and Windows 7 it is a 3 stage fix.
    A. Go to http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer and install the latest flash player.
        (Be sure to uncheck the box that includes additional free software).
    B. Go to http://get.adobe.com/shockwave and install the latest Shockwave.
    C. Go to your windows control panel and run Windows Update.

2. If you are running Windows 8, simply go to your windows control panel and run Windows Update to fix Internet Explorer.
We think that there will be more attempts at exploiting XP and we cannot guess what Microsoft may do next time. If you are still using XP we urge you to seriously consider updating.

Here is a quote directly from Microsoft:
“We have made the decision to issue a security update for Windows XP users,” writes Dustin C. Childs, group manager, response communications at Microsoft. “Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft, and we continue to encourage customers to migrate to a modern operating system, such as Windows 7 or 8.1. Additionally, customers are encouraged to upgrade to the latest version of Internet Explorer, IE 11.”
If you have a question please give us a call at 781-816-9437.

IMPORTANT SECURITY NOTICE: Stop using Internet Explorer immediately.

On Monday, April 28^th, 2014, Microsoft released Security Advisory 2963983 regarding an issue that impacts Internet Explorer. At this time, we are only aware of limited, targeted attacks. This security issue allows remote code execution if users visit a malicious website with an affected browser. This would typically occur by an attacker convincing someone to click a link in an email or instant message.

Microsoft’s initial investigation has revealed that Enhanced Protected Mode, on by default for the modern browsing experience in Internet Explorer 10 and Internet Explorer 11 will help protect against this potential risk. Microsoft also encourages users to follow the “Protect Your Computer” guidance of enabling a firewall, applying all software updates and installing anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Additionally, everyone should exercise caution when visiting websites and avoid clicking suspicious links, or opening email messages from unfamiliar senders. Additional information can be found at www.microsoft.com/protect.

Here is the vital information you need to know:

1. All versions of IE 6 through 11 for Windows are affected.
2. No patch is available as of today (4/28/14)

What To Do:

1. Do not use Microsoft's Internet Explorer on any machine you may currently have.
2. Use an alternative browser such as Firefox.
3. When the patch is issued, it will NOT apply to XP users!
4. If you are an XP User, you should use an alternative browser from here on out.
5. Think seriously about upgrading or replacing those Windows XP machines.

With the end of support for Windows XP earlier this month, we believe this is just the first of many attacks that will be targeting Windows XP.

If you have a question please contact us.
IES, Inc.
781-816-9437
contactus@iesadvisors.com

This is why IES recommends Firefox or Chrome vs Internet Explorer...

Sauce Labs, an Internet software testing and development company, specializes in automated testing for mobile and Web applications by delivering a test environment that accommodates over 150 browsers, operating systems, and device platforms. In the course of all that testing they've gotten to know which ones break the most and which ones break the least. Now, for the second time, Sauce is revealing which browsers can stand the test of the Web and which ones buckle under the strain.

For the purposes of the report Sauce only analyzed browser versions for which the company had at least 1,000 jobs in the last two years. This means that the most recent versions of some browsers aren't represented in the report.

Taken all-in-all, the bottom of the barrel Web browser family was Internet Explorer (IE). But, that's not the entire story.

True, with a 0.25 percent error rate, IE was the worst Web browser, but each browser has many different versions and a close look reveals that Microsoft's Web browsers have greatly improved since IE 7 first appeared in 2006. As for IE 6, let's not even talk about it!

While IE 7 has an error rate of .29 percent, the latest version, IE 10, has "an impressive 0.05 percent error rate." Sauce has found that Microsoft has gotten much better at "squashing their historically error rates."

So, if IE has been significantly improved, which browser has the "honor" of being the poorest program? That regrettable position, of currently deployed and supported Web browsers, goes to Apple's Safari 6.

The best browser, in terms of the fewest number of defects, is Firefox 22—followed by Chrome 27, IE10, Opera 12, and Safari 6. According to Sauce, "Most versions of Chrome have error rates low enough that they didn't show up on the graph. Neither do later versions of Firefox. That means that Chrome and Firefox are solid in terms of performance. For the tech savvy that isn't too surprisingly."

All-in-all, compared to the last Sauce evaluation of browsers in 2011, the company found that "Half of the browser versions we analyzed had error rates lower than 0.07-percent. That's pretty low, and suggests that browsers are getting more reliable as more versions come out."

Source: ZDNet

FBI issues cyber security advisory that could impact all users of Microsoft Explorer 8.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) is urging all consumers and businesses to pay close attention to a Cyber Security Advisory issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding a vulnerability in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 browser (IE8) that could allow scammers to access and take over users’ computers. The risk for all users – home, business and government – is high, and BBB is urging anyone with IE8 to follow the recommended steps to address the problem.

The problem was first announced yesterday, and last night Microsoft released a temporary fix.
Here is the original overview from the FBI:

“A vulnerability has been discovered in Microsoft’s web browser, Internet Explorer, which could allow an attacker to take complete control of an affected system. Exploitation may occur if a user visits or is redirected to a web page which is specifically crafted to take advantage of the vulnerability. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Failed exploit attempts may result in a denial-of-service condition.”

Microsoft today released a workaround which acts as a temporary fix. It is available at: https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2847140. The company is working on a patch to undo the vulnerability, which does not affect other versions of IE.

“BBB recommends that everyone with Internet Explorer 8 apply the temporary fix immediately,” said Ben Steinberg, Chief Information Officer of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “If you are not sure which version you have, try running the fix. If you don’t have IE8, the fix will stop running and let you know that your system is not at risk. Microsoft will let you know when the patch is available, and you need to download that as soon as it is.”

For more details and the fix, go to: https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2847140.

Source: BBB

Internet Explorer 10 compatibility issues with online banking sites.

During the month of March, Microsoft will be making its Internet Explorer 10 browser available for Windows 7 and 8. This browser update will be automatically propagated and installed as part of the next Microsoft Windows update.

Preliminary testing has identified compatibility issues between the new Internet Explorer browser and many online banking sites. Since many banking sites do not support Internet Explorer 10 at this time, we STRONGLY recommend that you do NOT install the new browser on computers that access any cash management or banking sites.

If Explorer 10 gets installed by mistake, there is no guarantee that we will be able to simply remove it and restore online banking functionality.

If you have any questions please feel free to give IES a call at 781-816-9437.

Internet Explorer's targets kids of the 90's in new ad.

In an attempt to be purely sentimental, Internet Explorer launched an ad targeted at children of the 90's (aka the tech generation). While it was not really persuasive enough to make me switch from Firefox, this new Microsoft Internet Explorer ad definitely connected with me from an emotional approach.

Be sure to view the ad below:

Windows 8 giving you problems? You're certainly not the only one!

"It took me 20 minutes to figure out how to shut it down..20 minutes...to turn a damn computer off"!

"I'm ready to throw them all to the ground and stomp on them".

"I just want to print...how the hell do I print"?

"This thing sucks; I'm sending it back".

"I can't do anything"!

DailyTech reports that 80% of businesses will never adopt the Windows 8 operating system. But can you really blame them? Trying to use this operating system to accomplish anything is damn near impossible. From attempting to find an installed program that's not pinned to your start screen or desktop to figuring out how to exit a simple program like Adobe Reader to browsing the web on a non-full screen Internet Explorer, and even shutting the computer down - it's just not worth the struggle! Employees simply can not be productive with their time if they can't use the technology of the 21st century. Microsoft sure made a mistake bringing this operating system to market.

Our clients and staff are not the only ones complaining about Windows 8. Check out this hilarious 23 minute animated rant from freelancer Brian Boyko. He decided to experiment with the new operating system thinking, "What could go wrong" and quickly found the answer to be "Just about everything".

*Over the last week, I have asked some of the firm's clients about their thoughts on the Windows 8 operating system. They responded with the quotes at the beginning of this blog post.