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Microsoft moves to patch vulnerability

US software giant Microsoft has taken emergency steps to ensure users of its Internet Explorer browser are not exposed to online threats by issuing an urgent patch to counter an un-patched vulnerability.

On Wednesday (December 17th) the company released an emergency patch to fix the potentially dangerous flaw, which can allow hackers to hijack browsers as well as take over computers.

According to Microsoft security response alliance director Mike Reavey, the software patch, which is critical, will be automatically initiated as most PCs have standard update settings.

"Microsoft encourages all IE customers to test and deploy this update as soon as possible," said Microsoft security response communications head Christopher Budd.

Internet security experts say consumers should move with speed to ensure their machines are patched as cyber crooks are exploiting the flaw with lightning speed.

"People should run, not walk, to get it installed," said Trend Micro advanced threat researcher Paul Ferguson. "This vulnerability is being actively exploited by cyber-criminals and getting worse every day."

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