Check out IE 7's security features

by Michael "Mullins CCNA, MCP" | May 31, 2006 7:00:00 AM

Tags: Web browsers, Cyberthreats, ActiveX/COM/COM+/DCOM, Michael Mullins CCNA, MCP, Web browser, Information Bar, Microsoft Internet Explorer, security, window, phishing, Microsoft Corp., Microsoft Internet Explorer 7, Security Solutions Newsletter

Takeaway: You don't have to wait for Vista to be released to check out IE 7. Here's a look at its security features.

Microsoft has released the second beta version of its new Internet Explorer browser that is set to ship with the soon to be released Windows operating system Vista. However, you don't have to wait for Vista to be released to check out IE 7. This is the second version of this browser and it's very stable and offers a wide variety of the most requested security features that have been standard on other browsers like MozillaFirefox and Opera. Here's a look at the security features.

ActiveX opt-in--Disables nearly all pre-installed ActiveX controls to prevent potentially vulnerable controls from being exposed to attack. You can easily enable or disable ActiveX controls as needed through the Information Bar and the Add-on Manager.

This was the number one requested feature and the most exploited flaw within older versions of IE. Other non-Microsoft browsers gained widespread usage because they didn’t include this active vector in their browser release.

Phishing filter--Proactively warns and helps protect you against potential or known fraudulent sites and blocks the site if appropriate. The opt-in filter is updated several times per hour using the latest security information from Microsoft and several industry partners.

Phishing is directing unsuspected users to sites that look like their banking web page and harvesting privacy and financial information. Microsoft is trying to build a phishing database and warn users about fraudulent sites before any information is transferred to these criminals.

Cross-Domain barriers--Limits script on web pages from interacting with content from other domains or windows. This enhanced safeguard will further protect against malware by limiting the potential for malicious websites to manipulate flaws in other websites or cause you to download undesired content or software.

Cross-Domain scripting has long been the avenue of choice for all of those drive-by installations and pop-up ads that warn you about how insecure you computer is and click here to fix it. Microsoft has finally addressed this problem.

Delete browsing history--Allows you to clean up cached pages, passwords, form data, cookies, and history, all from a single window.

This feature will allow you to safely use a public (kiosk) computer to check your email or bank balance, then erase all of your privacy information with the click of a button.

Address bar protection--Every window, whether it's a pop-up or standard window, will present an address bar to the user, helping to block malicious sites from emulating trusted sites.

Some web sites script the disappearance of the address bar to hide their true identity so you can’t block their site. By forcing an address bar, users will always know where the web content is be served from and will be able to block that site (advertisers beware!).

Fix my settings--To help protect you from browsing with unsafe settings, Internet Explorer 7 warns you with an Information Bar when current security settings may put you at risk. Within the Internet Control Panel, you will see certain critical items highlighted in red when they are unsafely configured. In addition to alerts warning you about unsafe settings, you will be reminded by the Information Bar as long as the settings remain unsafe. You can instantly reset Internet security settings to the "Medium-High" default level by clicking the "Fix My Settings" option in the Information Bar.

Sometimes users or programs modify their browser security settings. This feature offers a quick method of restoring browser settings to a safe level.

Final thoughts

I’ve been running IE 7 since its first beta release and have been impressed with it’s approach to security. Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 is a tremendous improvement in their internet browser and has many other features and security enhancements. This browser release will be the standard when the Vista operating system is deployed; maybe it’s time you checked it out.

We want your feedback

In this week's column, Mike Mullins discusses the Microsoft Internet Explorer features. Have you upgraded to Internet Explorer 7? We want to hear from you! Add your comments to this discussion in our Discussion Center or send us an e-mail.

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