Microsoft released a security update out-of-band to help protect users from attacks against Internet Explorer 6.

The patch fixes the old version of its Internet Explorer browser that allowed recent attacks on Google's network in China, Microsoft said. It is available here.

Google said last week it had been the target of sophisticated cyber-attacks in China, along with more than 20 other companies. Microsoft acknowledged that the hackers took advantage of a weakness in Internet Explorer 6 to mount the attacks.

The company recommends customers update to Internet Explorer 8 to benefit from the improved security protection it offers. It also recommend customers consider deploying the workarounds and mitigations provided in Security Advisory 979352.