Microsoft has revealed that all of the currently supported desktop versions of Internet Explorer will begin to block ActiveX controls on websites that it considers to be out of date starting on Tuesday, August 12.
The move will affect IE 8-11 on Windows 7, and the desktop versions of the browser on Windows 8 and 8.1. Microsoft points out that ActiveX controls have been used by websites in the past to offer interactive content to users, but the company feels there are now large risks with some ActiveX-based sites.
Microsoft says:
"Unfortunately, because many ActiveX controls aren't automatically updated, they can become outdated as new versions are released. It's very important that you keep your ActiveX controls up-to-date because malicious or compromised Web pages can target security flaws in outdated controls to collect information, install dangerous software, or by let someone else control your computer remotely."
After August 12, a notification bar will pop up in IE if it encounters an ActiveX control that it feel is out of date. A security notice might also pop up if the ActiveX control tries to launch the program outside of IE. The blocking will be turned off for IE users in Local Intranet Zones and Trusted Sites Zones in case their local network still needs to run ActiveX controls.
What do you think of Microsoft's efforts to make web browsing on the Windows desktop a safer place by blocking old ActiveX controls?
Source: Microsoft
