IE Protected Mode and Phishing Filter

Computer Repair and Consulting Service TIPS

Internet Explorer 7.0, when running under Windows Vista (not XP or earlier operating systems), operates by default in Protected Mode. This means that dishonest web sites that a user happens to visit cannot trick IE 7 into changing Windows system files or other crucial configuration details.

A separate feature, but one that can work in concert with Protected Mode to keep users out of trouble, is Microsoft’s new Phishing Filter. IE 7 regularly downloads from a Microsoft server a list of web addresses that appear to be fraudulent. These sites may get on the list because they’re collecting passwords or credit card numbers from gullible consumers, they’re downloading spyware to people’s computers, or for other reasons. In any case, IE 7 doesn’t display known phishing sites, instead warning the user about the identified problems with the site.

The features just described are only two of the several Microsoft has added to Internet Explorer. Others include protection against cross-site scripting attacks (in which one site takes over a window used by another site), ActiveX suspension (which disables the most dangerous ActiveX controls), and Windows Defender, which guards against spyware. It’s too early to say whether the new IE security features will add up to an adequate level of safety for Windows users, or whether third-party security products must still be added to Windows. It’s likely that Microsoft’s own programs will play second fiddle to third-party developers, who concentrate specifically on antiphishing and antispyware research. Read the comparative reviews of security add-ons in respected computer magazines to learn which products provide the best security—and then invest a few bucks in any independent downloads that are top rated.

Computer Repair,Computer Service
Computer Consulting,Computer Consultant
Computer Support