Security at the Browser Level

We mentioned that you can set some parameters within Internet Explorer to
minimize the downloading of certain kinds of spyware, but that this will limit
functionality of your web surfing and may even make some of your favorite sites
unavailable.

There are also some general preferences and routines you should consider.

Disabling Bad Scripts – But Enabling Good Ones

There is a two-setting solution that will probably provide you with some
enhanced security while still enabling the kind of surfing and browsing you are
used to doing.

What you want to do is disable IE’s ability to run scripts without your
permission, first.

1. In Internet Explorer click the Tools menu > Internet Options > Security
2. Select A Web Content Zone and Custom Level.
3. Disable four items:
a. Download unsigned Active-X controls
b. Initialize and script Active-X controls not marked safe
c. Active scripting
d. Scripting Java applets

Then set your Java permissions option to “High Safety.” Now you have better
security – but half your favorite sites won’t work. There’s an easy if slightly time-
consuming solution to that.

Next do this:

4. In Internet Explorer click the Tools menu > Internet Options > Security >
Trusted Sites > Sites
5. Enter (by typing them in one at a time!) all of the site URLs of the sites yo
know and like that require scripting.
6. Disable “require server verification” for these sites
7. “OK” your way back to the browser window

As you encounter more sites you like that require scripting to function properly,
you’ll simply need to go back and use steps 4-6 again.

Just Say No!

In addition, you can make simple preferences adjustments within your browser
that will minimize the appearance of malicious software on your machine:

• Disable pop-ups (or enable pop-up blocking)
• Do not click in pop-ups if you don’t disable them entirely
• Do not download “free” “toolbars” or other “plug ins” for your browser,
since most of the time these software items will not do things you want
them to do
• Do not answer strange or unexpected questions in dialogue boxes,
whether they pop up in pop-ups or appear on normal web pages. Close
the page, browser or window, and if you can’t, JUST SAY NO! Literally.
Almost always the “yes” option is opting into something very bad.

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