Configure Internet Explorer for Secure Browsing

The first step is always to make sure that information being sent to a web-site is secure. The first part of the web-site URL should say https:// instead of just http://. The extra “s” is an indication that information sent over that connection will be encrypted.

There are three settings that can be configured in Internet Explorer to make the browsing experience more secure. Other web browsers have similar settings but this article will focus on how Internet Explorer can be configured to use Internet Phishing, Internet Zone Security and Privacy Settings.

Internet Phishing

One popular way to fraudulently get people to give up their personal information on the Internet is to claim to be associated with an organization they already trust. When the Phishing Filter is enabled in the web browser, it detects such web-sites and warns the user.

The list of suspect web-sites is checked against a list that is updated hourly according to the Microsoft web-site. Internet Explorer will change the color of the address bar to yellow or red to warn of a suspect web-site.

This feature, which is only available in Internet Explorer version 7 or later, is enabled from the menu bar by clicking on Tools, then Phishing Filter, then “Turn on Automatic Website Checking”, then OK. If this feature is already turned on, the menu option will say “Turn Off Automatic Website Checking”.

Internet Zone Security

There are literally dozens of individual settings that can be configured in the browser to make it secure. Using preconfigured settings can make it easier to decide which of those settings to use. These options are accessed from the menu bar as well by clicking Tools, then Internet Options, then clicking on the Security folder.

Instead of having to choose from a myriad of security settings, a default security level can be chosen to meet specific needs. Someone who wants to automatically prevent the download of harmful software or stop Internet Cookies from being stored on the computer might choose the “High” security level.

On the same Internet Options page, the “Trusted sites” zone can be chosen to add web-sites that the user wants to apply less stringent security settings to. The web-site of a bank used for Internet transactions would be one example. The “Restricted sites” zone would be used to create a list of web-sites to which the strongest security settings would be applied.

Privacy Settings

It is very difficult to block the use of all cookies on the Internet because so many legitimate businesses require their use on their web-site. Internet cookies contain personal information about the user and can be stored on the local hard drive of the computer. The Privacy settings can be configured to allow cookies, but only under specific situations. Using preconfigured levels of security, cookies may be prevented if the company does not have a privacy policy or if the privacy policy does not prevent them from sharing personal data. The Privacy Settings folder can be accessed with the same directions used for Internet Zone Security.

The ability to save time and money by doing transactions over the Internet cannot be overlooked. Even though there is no way to guarantee 100% security that can also be said of business conducted at brick and mortar stores as well. By taking a few basic precautions and properly configuring the browser, risks associated with Internet transactions can be reasonably reduced.

Configure Phishing Filter

Configure Security Options

Print Article

Email Article

View All Articles

How to subscribe to feeds