How to Secure Internet Explorer

Written by:  • Edited by: Bill Bunter
Updated May 5, 2010
• Related Guides: Web Browser | Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer has many tips and tricks for securing it against unauthorized access. There are security zones, cookie handling and various other customizable options to ensure the safest web browsing experience.

Introduction

Web browsers are perhaps the weakest link in the computer system, as they are the connection point through which a user accesses the Internet. There are a number of threats that can affect a computer with an insecure web browser through a multitude of reasons: web links are not always reliable and can take a user to an unsafe website; some websites require a program to be installed on the system to allow functionality; and many more reasons besides. Therefore securing a web browser is similar to setting up a firewall; basically securing the system’s first line of defence.

Internet Explorer is an exceedingly popular web browser, simply by the virtue of coming bundled with the Windows operating system. It is a familiar interface with the basic security functions of any web browser. However, there is usually a trade off between quality of browsing and security, and usually people downgrade security.

Internet Explorer has had its share of security breaches, the latest of which occurred in December 2008. A security flaw was discovered in its code by security experts, and the millions of Windows users that use the browser were at serious risk from hackers. Microsoft raced to release a patch to correct the problem, and secure the vulnerable file.

Setting security levels

The first step towards securing Internet Explorer against attack is the simplest. Under the Tools menu, there is an option

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called ‘Internet Options’. Clicking on this option will open up a small window with tabs alongside the top. Click on the ‘Security’ tab.

The top pane has four categories in which the various sites are grouped. When anyone is selected, the

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bottom pane shows the level of security for all websites that fall within that particular category. The best option for all the categories is to drag the slider up to ‘High’. Setting the security levels to high entails disabling any browser functions that are vulnerable to outside exploitation.

When a level is set, the Custom level button under it will allow the user to check and uncheck further options. These options pertain to various scripting languages and ActiveX controls, for example.

There is also an option to ‘Reset custom settings’ at the bottom of the security settings pane. Set this drop-down box value to High, and click the Reset button alongside. This option will set the most secure value for all the functions and features that the browser has for a particular category of sites.

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Vinay Aug 5, 2009 7:34 AM
Good Article
This is a good article. I liked it.
 
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