Following the discovery of a security flaw that affects hundreds of millions of Internet Explorer users, Microsoft (MSFT) is now urging customers to download new security software as an interim measure until it can fix the problem. The software giant revealed late Monday that a newly discovered exploit in its Internet Explorer Web browser can enable an attacker to take control of a victim’s computer. In an effort to buy time, Microsoft is now advising customers to download a security tool until the company can patch the bug. The software is known as the Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit, or EMET, and is available for free on Microsoft’s website. The company has also recommended that customers adjust various Windows security settings to prevent potential attacks, although it warned that doing so could affect a PC’s usability — it may be easier for consumers to just install alternative browsers such as Chrome or Firefox. The bug does not affect Internet Explorer 10.

[Via Reuters]

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