Microsoft's aim to move forward with the Windows 10 OS foretells the unavoidable end of Windows 8 and cease on system update for Internet Explorer 8, 9 and 10.

According to BBC, some 20 percent of web traffic actually comes from these versions of IE, but Computerworld reveals that only 55 percent of IE users have the latest version of it.

The announcement will affect more than 340 million users worldwide, who, until this day, use the old version of the browser. Craig Young of Tripwire told BBC that they expect cybercriminals to take advantage of this upcoming move of Microsoft to attack these browsers while they are in their most vulnerable state.

 

Mark James of ESET compares the cease on support, where there is an absence of support, security update and new patches, as a "hot potato" that you need to drop fast because the system is technically doomed.

Microsoft has been steadfast in warning their clients to do an update wherein some complained about more problems that eventually lead them to transfer to Chrome of Firefox. As early as August 2014, Microsoft hinted on the move. In April last year, the company eventually stopped releasing security support for Windows XP.

In an announcement made on Microsoft's website, the company said, "Beginning [Jan.] 12, 2016, only the most current version of Internet Explorer available for a supported operating system will receive technical supports and security updates."

Citing the Internet Explorer 11 as the last version of the popular browser, the company said that it will continue to supply updates, technical support and compatibility fixes on Windows 7, 8.1 and 10. Microsoft also said that a system update and upgrade is the consumer's best move to avoid the cybercriminals. The possibility of an update and patch malware may also arrive after the deadline, making consumers more vulnerable to hacking.

The website has also provided details on how consumers can upgrade their systems. Whether it's an enterprise, a business or a home PC, the company has the details on their website.

According to TechCrunch, users who wish to keep using Internet Explorer are advised to upgrade it to Internet Explorer 11, which offers better performance and security updates. This is the last version that will continue to receive updates from Microsoft until further announcements are made.