Use Internet Explorer? Download Microsoft's update ASAP.
Microsoft released a patch Thursday that fixes a vulnerability that allowed attackers to take complete control of a computer.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speaks at the Build conference in San Francisco earlier this month. Microsoft is discontinuing support for its Windows XP operating system.
Reuters
LOS ANGELES
Microsoft is releasing a security update for Internet Explorer that closes a gap that allowed attackers to take complete control of a computer. It also issued the update to Windows XP users, despite dropping support for the older operating system last month.
The update will go live at 10 a.m. Pacific time Thursday.
Adrienne Hall, general manager of Microsoft Trustworthy Computing, said in a statement that the company decided to fix the problem quickly for all customers, saying it takes the security of its products "incredibly seriously."
Microsoft reported the problem Saturday, saying it was aware of "limited, targeted attacks" and that the vulnerability affected Internet Explorer versions 6 through 11
The company said users with automatic updates enabled don't need to take any action.