Safer Microsoft Internet Explorer

What is ActiveX? Microsoft internet explorer (MIE) has several options that help hackers to occupy you computer. The most risky components to use are ActiveX and Java applications. ActiveX - applications launched by Windows system. Once you enable ActiveX, it will be started by Internet Explorer every time a website requires one. ActiveX applications can open files, launch programs and send information over the internet. That is why spyware usually comes thru ActiveX components. I will explain how to configure it to make Internet Explorer safer.

IE security zones

You trust your bank's website and you know that it is safe because you are using it every day to check your balance or to make money transfers. But user is unaware if the website you are visiting the first time contains dangerous infections or not. That is why internet explorer has four security zones:

• Internet
• Local intranet
• Trusted sites
• Restricted sites

You can set security level for each of these zones by pressing Default level button and selecting one of four security levels: High, Medium, Medium-low, Low.
All websites by default are assigned to Internet zone. It is recommended to set Medium security level for this zone.
Local intranet zone is required for office or home network.
Trusted sites zone is used for the websites you trust (e.g. Microsoft Windows Update - ActiveX is required while updating). After pressing Sites button you can enter website addresses you trust. Note: system recognizes addresses beginning https:. If you trust website that is not https: protected, uncheck Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone. Now you can set Low security level for this zone.
Restricted sites zone moderates user actions towards unknown websites. It is recommended to set High security level for this zone.

The best security adjustment for Internet Explorer

You can configure internet security by using one more Internet Explorer option located at Tools => Internet options => Security and pressing Custom level button on selected security zone. You can manage selected function by choosing one of the options: Allow it, Deny it or Prompt. It is not recommended to change any of these options unless you know the purpose of each option.