Upgrade your Internet Explorer before it’s too late

Categories: Security

Companies that are still using older versions of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer must upgrade as soon as possible.

If they don’t, their systems will be vulnerable to attack.

Microsoft is ending technical support and security updates for IE8, 9 and 10 meaning companies who haven’t upgraded are unprotected against viruses and malware. They’re also using a browser that’s no longer suitable as it’s not designed to handle the larger tools and applications companies need to interact with their partners and customers.

In August 2015 Microsoft gave customers 17 months to stop using older versions of IE regardless of the operating system. So, even if you’re already using Microsoft Windows 10 OS, you need to change your browser.

A big problem for South Eastern companies

Despite such warnings, Microsoft’s advice has been ignored by many companies. According to the analytics company Net Applications, 42.5 per cent of IE users were still running older versions of IE in December 2015.

“We’re also finding many companies are still using the older versions of IE,” says Gary Jowett from CNC in Brighton. “It’s usually because they’ve not upgraded their computers for some time. Ideally, your business PCs, laptops and tablets should be replaced every four to five years because the processing power required to handle all the tools and applications keeps growing.”

And yet, many companies aren’t setting aside sufficient budget to replenish their computer equipment. One of the dangerous consequences of this is they’re using older browsers that are slower and more prone to viruses and malware.

In fact, Microsoft’s decision to end support for IE8, 9 and 10 has prompted some companies to shift allegiance to other browsers. Some analysts suggest Google Chrome has benefited as a result by gaining more users.

Don’t let the hackers get in

If you need advice about which browser to use, it’s a good idea to check with an experienced IT consultant who will have a broad experience of all the options available. However, most businesses across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Kent prefer to stick with a browser from Microsoft because it will be wholly compatible with the new Windows 10 operating system.
These businesses need to act quickly to avoid being exposed to the unwanted attention of hackers. Being attacked by hackers can cause irrevocable damage to a business and deter customers from using its services. There’s also the risk of breaching data protection laws leading to severe penalties which might cripple a business to such an extent that it ceases trading.