Increase Internet Explorer Security Using Custom Level Settings

Internet Explorer can be exploited by hackers if your security settings in the browser are set too low. Internet Explorer users sometimes get frustrated when the settings are too high because this places restrictions on your viewing experience. Regardless, when it comes to your security and privacy it is important to tolerate some minor inconveniences and make sure that your settings are not set too low.

Although customizing the settings in your browser does not guarantee 100 percent protection against an exploit, at least you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of a security breach.

How to Use Custom Level Settings in Internet Explorer

To access Custom Level settings in Internet Explorer, open your browser and click on "Tools" located in the main toolbar at the top of the browser window. Choose "Internet Options" from the pull-down menu and then click on the tab that says "Security." When the Security box is opened, click on the "Custom Level" settings button to view all of the customizable advanced settings.

  • .NET Framework: Under .NET Framework you will see "Permissions for components with manifests." Make sure you have this setting configured to "High Safety."
  • ActiveX Controls and Plug-Ins: Under this feature you will see "allow previously unused ActiveX controls to run without prompt." Make sure you disable this setting to help prevent a malicious file being installed without your knowledge.

  • Allow Scriptlets: Disable this feature to prevent a malicious file being installed through scripting programs.

  • Download Signed ActiveX Controls: Change this setting to prompt you before the signed ActiveX control is installed on your PC.

  • Download Unsigned ActiveX Controls: Change this setting to "Disable" to prevent unauthorized ActiveX controls from being installed on your PC.

  • Initialize and Script ActiveX: Disable the setting on "Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe for scripting."

  • Installation of Desktop Items: Change the settings on installation of desktop items to prompt you before installation.

  • Launching Applications and Unsafe Files: Change this setting to prompt you before installation.
  • Launching Programs and Files in an IFRAME: Change this setting to prompt you before launching the programs.
  • Navigate Windows and Frames Across Different Domains: Change this setting to "Disable."

When you are finished with the settings, click "OK" and then save the settings when Internet Explorer prompts you to do so.

In addition to customizing Your Internet Explorer settings also make sure you practice the general steps such as being careful where you click online, before clicking on attachments and when visiting questionable websites.

Fraud causes hundreds of millions of dollars in damage each year and affects just as many people.

Credit card fraud is the most common type of fraud to occur each year and cost its victims up to $500 million dollars in damages each year. Despite the frequent occurrence of this type of fraud, millions of credit card users are still unaware of how to protect themselves against this type of thievery.

No one is completely safe from being defrauded. But, by learning how to protect against fraud, you will be better equipped to prevent yourself from falling into a scam that could cost you everything. Taking the time to protect yourself can help to keep you safe.