Summary


Web browsers like Internet Explorer are among the most popular and oft-used tools on any Windows Vista system. Unfortunately, a number of security and privacy threats can impact a Windows Vista system without proper browser security settings configured.

Keep the following points in mind when it comes to securing your web browser:

  • Add web sites to web content zones to define the security parameters that should apply to sites you visit frequently.

  • When configuring web content zone settings, never configure lower settings than those recommended by Internet Explorer. More restrictive settings are always more secure, but may impact browsing functions.

  • Install a tool like IE-SPYAD2 to add hundreds of web sites that are known to be dangerous to the Internet Explorer Restricted sites web content zone.

  • Configure appropriate Internet Explorer privacy settings to control the amount of information about your browsing habits that will be shared with online marketers, advertisers, and web site owners.

  • Explore the Internet Explorer Content Advisor settings as a method of controlling the types of content that you and other users can view on the web, but understand that the new Windows Vista Parental Control feature is a much more powerful option.

  • Disable any unknown or suspicious looking browser add-ons immediately - these are often malware programs or components.

  • Use the built-in Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker to stop advertising pop-up windows from appearing. Understand, however, that blocking pop-ups does nothing to address underlying security risks (like malware infections) that may exist.

  • Consider using an alternative web browser like Firefox or Netscape if you're concerned about the security and privacy risks associated with Internet Explorer. Although there's no guarantee that other web browsers are more secure, you may find that an alternative browser better meets your web surfing (and security) needs.



PC Magazine Windows Vista Security Solutions
PC Magazine Windows Vista Security Solutions
ISBN: 0470046562
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2004
Pages: 135
Authors: Dan DiNicolo

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