Bonn, Germany  - If you use Internet Explorer, you should either deactivate JavaScript or temporarily switch to another browser to combat a newly discovered vulnerability, according to the German Federal Agency for Security in Information Technology (BSI)

The security hole allows hackers to execute programs on your computer without your knowledge or permission, says the Bonn-based agency. The victims need only be lured into visiting a specially rigged web site.

The BSI recommends changing the "Internet Zone" security setting on Internet Explorer to "High." That deactivates JavaScript, among other controls. These settings may cause some web sites to malfunction, however. No patch for Internet Explorer has been released yet, and other browsers are not affected by the vulnerability. (dpa)