The security flaw affects hundreds of millions of Internet Explorer browser users. Microsoft said attackers can exploit the bug to infect the PC of somebody who visits a malicious website and then take control of the victim's computer.

Microsoft are advising users of their browser software to download a temporary fix known as Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET). However, comments posted to their security forum suggest that this bit of software is already causing problems with other applications on some users computers.

Some security advisers are suggesting that users of IE 9 and earlier versions would be better off switching to another internet browser such as, Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari until Microsoft release the new version of Internet Explorer 10.

Poison Ivy and Zero-Day

Reuters report that a researcher in Luxembourg, discovered the flaw in Internet Explorer on Friday, when his PC was infected by a piece of malicious software known as Poison Ivy that hackers use to steal data or take remote control of PCs.

When he analyzed the infection, he learned that Poison Ivy had infected his system by exploiting a previously unknown bug, or "zero-day" vulnerability, in Internet Explorer.

"Any time you see a zero-day like this, it is concerning," said Liam O Murchu, a research manager with anti-virus software maker Symantec Corp. "There are no patches available. It is very difficult for people to protect themselves."

70% of Farming Online visitors use a version of Microsoft's Internet Explorer which is at risk. Firefox, Safari and Chrome make up the rest of the users.

click here for more information from Microsoft

Tweet