A severe vulnerability has been discovered in Microsoft’s web browser, Internet Explorer. According to UT’s Office of Information Technology, the successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged-on user.
OIT is recommending that UT students, faculty, and staff stop using Internet Explorer and switch to an alternate web browser such as Firefox, Chrome, or Safari. If UT employees find they have to use Internet Explorer to conduct university business, they are encouraged to contact the OIT HelpDesk at 865-974-9900 for recommendations.
Once Microsoft releases a software update for Internet Explorer, students and employees will receive instructions on how to complete the update process.
Until then, OIT also urges students and employees to not visit untrusted websites or follow links provided to them by unknown or untrusted sources. Clicking on an untrusted link in an e-mail could put someone’s device, and the university, at risk.
For more information, visit the OIT Security website at security.utk.edu.