After January 12, 2016, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for older versions of Internet Explorer.
Regular security updates help protect computers from malicious attacks, so upgrading and staying current is important.
Explorer versions 8, 9, and 10 were designed for Windows XP, support for which ended in April 2014, and continuing to provide updates for browser software designed for the 15-year-old operating system is no longer feasible, according to Microsoft.
This leaves IE 10 or older users vulnerable to security breaches after January 12, so if you want to continue using the Microsoft browser, it’s crucial that you upgrade to IE 11 or its replacement, Microsoft Edge.
IE 11 is the “final” version of Internet Explorer, and will continue to receive security updates, compatibility fixes, and technical support for users on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 as well as Windows 10. Along with the final security patch for the older Explorers, Microsoft is including an “End of Life” notification that asks users to upgrade to IE 11 or Edge. It’s advice well worth taking.
Internet Explorer 11 offers improved security, increased performance, better backward compatibility, and support for the web standards that power today’s websites and services. Microsoft encourages customers to upgrade and stay up-to-date on the latest browser for a faster, more secure browsing experience. Or you can go with their new browser, Microsoft Edge.
The Edge browser is a sleeker, faster replacement for Internet Explorer that comes packaged with Windows 10. It includes features like Cortana, Microsoft’s voice-activated search engine that allows users to select text and “ask Cortana” without the need for a voice input. You can get more information about Explorer’s discontinuation and MS Edge on the Microsoft site or here.
Whether you’re a business or a shopper, you should always protect yourself from dangers lurking in the shadows. Keep your browser, antivirus, anti-phishing, firewall and spyware protection up to date and don’t overlook updates to your operating system, either. New scams pop up daily, and complacency can be costly.
If you’re on a network, at work or at home, be sure everyone on it practices safe browsing. And don’t forget that common sense is your best defense against malicious attacks. Antivirus software is good, but it’s not perfect. If a link looks strange, don’t click it. If a site looks suspicious, don’t go there. If an app isn’t well documented, don’t download it.
As a global leader in high-performance e-commerce web development, The Unleaded Group constantly monitors the latest developments in internet security. Call us toll-free at 855-865-3233 for more information.