How to Increase Security of Internet Explorer

How to Increase Security of Internet Explorer

How to Increase Security of Internet Explorer

KUNETIZEN | Internet Explorer, despite its declining popularity, is still used by a significant number of users worldwide. However, its reputation for security vulnerabilities and susceptibility to cyber threats has led many users to seek ways to enhance its security. Whether you're a casual user or rely on Internet Explorer for specific tasks, increasing its security is essential to protect your data and privacy online. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore various strategies and best practices to bolster the security of Internet Explorer and minimize the risk of cyber attacks.

1. Keep Internet Explorer Updated

One of the most crucial steps you can take to enhance the security of Internet Explorer is to ensure that you're using the latest version of the browser. Microsoft regularly releases updates and security patches to address vulnerabilities and improve the browser's security posture. By keeping Internet Explorer updated, you can mitigate the risk of exploitation by known security threats.

To check for updates in Internet Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer on your computer.
2. Click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the browser window to open the Tools menu.
3. Select "About Internet Explorer" from the menu.
4. A new window will open, displaying the current version of Internet Explorer installed on your computer. If updates are available, you'll see an option to install them.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the latest updates for Internet Explorer.

By regularly checking for updates and installing them promptly, you can ensure that your browser is equipped with the latest security enhancements and protection mechanisms.

2. Enable Enhanced Security Configuration

Internet Explorer includes a feature called Enhanced Security Configuration (ESC), which provides an additional layer of security by restricting the browser's ability to run scripts, download files, and execute ActiveX controls from untrusted websites. While ESC may limit the browser's functionality, it can significantly reduce the risk of encountering malicious content online.

To enable Enhanced Security Configuration in Internet Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer on your computer.
2. Click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the browser window to open the Tools menu.
3. Select "Internet options" from the menu.
4. In the Internet Options window, navigate to the Security tab.
5. Click on the "Internet" zone icon to select it.
6. Check the box next to "Enable Protected Mode" to enable Enhanced Security Configuration for the Internet zone.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the "Local intranet" zone.
8. Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.

By enabling Enhanced Security Configuration, you can add an extra layer of protection to Internet Explorer and reduce the risk of malicious attacks and malware infections.

3. Enable SmartScreen Filter

SmartScreen Filter is a built-in security feature in Internet Explorer that helps protect users from phishing websites, malware downloads, and other malicious content. When enabled, SmartScreen Filter automatically checks websites and downloads against a database of known threats and warns users if it detects suspicious activity.

To enable SmartScreen Filter in Internet Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer on your computer.
2. Click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the browser window to open the Tools menu.
3. Select "Internet options" from the menu.
4. In the Internet Options window, navigate to the Security tab.
5. Click on the "Internet" zone icon to select it.
6. Check the box next to "Enable Protected Mode" if it's not already enabled.
7. Click on the "Privacy" tab.
8. Check the box next to "Turn on SmartScreen Filter" under the SmartScreen section.
9. Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.

By enabling SmartScreen Filter, you can add an additional layer of protection to Internet Explorer and reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing scams, malware, and other online threats.

4. Use Strong Passwords and Manage Cookies

Weak passwords and unchecked cookies can compromise the security of your browsing sessions and expose you to potential security risks. To enhance the security of Internet Explorer, it's essential to use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and regularly manage cookies to prevent tracking and data collection by third-party websites.

Here are some tips for managing passwords and cookies in Internet Explorer:

Use a password manager: Consider using a reputable password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords for your online accounts. Password managers can help you create complex passwords and securely manage your login credentials across multiple websites.
Enable password autofill: Take advantage of Internet Explorer's built-in password autofill feature to save time and effort when logging into websites. However, make sure to use this feature with caution and only on trusted devices and networks to prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
Clear cookies regularly: Periodically clear your browsing history and cookies in Internet Explorer to remove tracking data and other potentially sensitive information stored by websites. You can access the Clear Browsing Data option from the Tools menu to delete cookies, cache, and other browsing data.
By using strong passwords, managing cookies effectively, and practicing good password hygiene, you can minimize the risk of unauthorized access and protect your privacy while browsing the web with Internet Explorer.

5. Exercise Caution When Downloading and Installing Software

One of the most common ways that malware and other malicious software infect computers is through deceptive downloads and software installations. To reduce the risk of inadvertently downloading malware or unwanted software, exercise caution when downloading files and applications from the internet, and only download from trusted sources.

Here are some tips for safe downloading and software installation in Internet Explorer:

Verify the source: Before downloading any files or software, verify the credibility and trustworthiness of the source. Avoid downloading files from unfamiliar or suspicious websites, and only download from reputable sources that are known to be safe and legitimate.
Read user reviews: If you're unsure about the safety of a particular download or software application, read user reviews and ratings to gauge other users' experiences. Look for any red flags or warnings that may indicate potential security issues or malware.
Use antivirus software: Install reputable antivirus software on your computer and keep it updated regularly to detect and remove malware and other threats. Antivirus software can provide an additional layer of protection against malicious downloads and software installations.

By exercising caution when downloading and installing software, you can reduce the risk of encountering malware and other security threats while using Internet Explorer.

Conclusion: Enhancing Security in Internet Explorer

While Internet Explorer may not be as popular as it once was, it's still used by many individuals and organizations around the world. To ensure a safe and secure browsing experience, it's essential to take proactive steps to enhance the security of Internet Explorer. By keeping the browser updated, enabling security features such as Enhanced Security Configuration and SmartScreen Filter, using strong passwords, managing cookies effectively, and exercising caution when downloading and installing software, you can minimize the risk of cyber threats and protect your data and privacy online. By following the recommendations outlined in this guide, you can enhance the security of Internet Explorer and browse the web with confidence.