Back in my security lab days, my fellow lab rats would refer to Internet Explorer as “Internet Exploder”!  ha!  One of the first questions I ask when people are having problems with pop up's or surfing the web is: “What web browser are you using? Internet Explorer or Firefox?” More often than not, people use Internet Explorer.  So, what is the difference?  Why is Internet Explorer less secure?

1. Updates – Internet Explorer is automatically installed with Windows.  Because of this, the only way to update Internet Explorer is through the Windows Automatic Updates.  That is fine, but the problem is that most people don't think to install the Windows (which includes Internet Explorer) updates.
2. Market Share – Internet Explorer is used by 60% of web traffic.  If you were a nasty cyber crime thief, which browser would you go after? Internet Explorer (60%), Firefox (30%), Chrome (5%) Safari (5%) Opera (2%)?  Obviously, you would get more BANG for your HACKING buck if you write malicious code to compromise the Internet Explorer.
3. With old vulnerable versions of Internet Explorer out in the WILD of the Internet, you are just asking to get HACKED!

How to avoid getting viruses by surfing the web:

1. Get an ant-virus solution
2. Be care about allowing ActiveX connections.  Only allow this for trusted sites. (ActiveX.. Wha??  I'll have a follow-up post on this subect)
3. Keep up with your operating system updates. ( Again, I'll have a follow-up post on this subject)
4. Use a browser that has built-in automated updates (Firefox , Chrome, Safari, Opera ) … Let's just face it, if it's a choice between going on the computer to install updates, or doing laundry so your family can have clean underwear, which one will win? Ha! … As a side note, you can import your bookmarks into any new browser.  You won't lose the links to you favorite recipe blogs!
5. If you use such browser, make sure to INSTALL the updates and not cancel out of the process.
6. Consider getting a Internet security solution (this includes firewall, anti-spyware, parental controls)

As a side note, Microsoft is not a BAD company.  It's just that a lot of their software was released to the public with weaknesses that have been exploited.  The problem is that the average computer user doesn't think to install the necessary updates to keep their computer secure.  Here are some links to some security services that Microsoft provides:

Microsoft Security Essentials – Free Anti-Virus, anti-spyware software for Windows OS

Malicious Software Removal Tool – Scan your computer for malicious software.  You download the application through Windows automatic updates.

Microsoft Security Support Center – Website with references, frequently asked questions, etc.

I know I introduced a few more terms in this post, please look for the upcoming posts:

Is your Foundation Secure? Operating System Security

Who do you trust in your home? ActiveX operations

UPDATES, UPDATES, UPDATES!!

Internet Explorer Security Awareness Web Browsing