Microsoft Releases ‘Fix It’ Software on IE against Hackers

Microsoft releases “Fix It” software on Tuesday as an emergency fix for Internet Explorer. This was after hackers attacked an unverified number of IE users by taking advantage of a flaw in the web browser's security.

According to the software maker's official website, "Fix It" will protect the users as a contingency measure. This is after Microsoft became aware of the very limited but targeted assaults using a new bug.

Microsoft shared that the hackers had taken advantage of a flaw that was undiscovered before, or what the industry calls "zero day vulnerability."

Hackers who are state-sponsored are normally willing to finance zero day vulnerabilities in commonly used software like IE. These states usually allocate hundreds of thousand dollars, according to experts in internet security.

It is typical for these attacks to be launched to very limited number but highly valued targets. This also allows the flaws to be maintained a secret.

As soon as Microsoft provides warning to zero day bugs, other hacking groups which engage in cyber crime operations like identity theft immediately dive in to modify protection software in order for them to create viruses that take advantage of those vulnerabilities.

Internet security experts suggest that IE users must install the Fix It security software as soon as possible. Another option is to avoid use of the browser up until there is confirmed report that Microsoft has a new software update, which is automatically updated via the Windows Update system.

"With the Fix It out, I'm sure any attacker who is a bit sophisticated can figure out what the flaw is and implement a similar exploit in their own attack toolkit," said chief technology officer Wolgang Kandek of Qualys to Reuters.

Software like "Fix It" can be downloaded then installed on personal computers. They are created to provide emergency protection for customers while Microsoft moves to prepare and manage official updates, which are delivered automatic and installed in the computers through the internet.

Kandek is expecting that Microsoft will release an update soon to handle the issue in 2 to 3 weeks.