Jan. 22 – Microsoft has released an emergency patch for Internet Explorer browser users to guard against similar cyber attacks that hit Google last month.

The critical patch remedies 8 weaknesses in the software company’s browser that was exploited by hackers and used to assault Google and various other companies. In the worse case scenario, the flaws can allow hackers to remotely control a computer while users visit web sites using the browser.

According to anti-virus company Symantec, viruses that take advantage of the weakness in Microsoft’s browser can be found on 100 websites.

Internet Explorer users can download the free patch through enabled automatic updating or manual updating found here.