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Evaluating Your Web Browser's Security Settings
Check the security settings in your web browser to make sure they are
at an appropriate level. While increasing your security may affect the
functionality of some web sites, it could prevent you from being
attacked.
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Why are security settings for web browsers important?
Your web browser is your primary connection to the rest of the
internet, and multiple applications may rely on your browser, or
elements within your browser, to function. This makes the security
settings within your browser even more important. Many web
applications try to enhance your browsing experience by enabling
different types of functionality, but this functionality might be
unnecessary and may leave you susceptible to being attacked. The
safest policy is to disable the majority of those features unless you
decide they are necessary. If you determine that a site is
trustworthy, you can choose to enable the functionality temporarily
and then disable it once you are finished visiting the site.
Where can you find the settings?
Each web browser is different, so you may have to look around. For
example, in Internet Explorer, you can find them by clicking
Tools on your menu bar, selecting Internet Options...,
choosing the Security tab, and clicking the Custom
Level... button. However, in Firefox, you click Tools on
the menu bar and select Options.... Click the
Content, Privacy, and Security tabs to explore
the basic security options. Browsers have different security options
and configurations, so familiarize yourself with the menu options,
check the help feature, or refer to the vendor's web site.
While every application has settings that are selected by default, you
may discover that your browser also has predefined security levels
that you can select. For example, Internet Explorer offers custom
settings that allow you to select a particular level of security;
features are enabled or disabled based on your selection. Even with
these guides, it is helpful to have an understanding of what the
different terms mean so that you can evaluate the features to
determine which settings are appropriate for you.
How do you know what your settings should be?
Ideally, you would set your security for the highest level
possible. However, restricting certain features may limit some web
pages from loading or functioning properly. The best approach is to
adopt the highest level of security and only enable features when you
require their functionality.
What do the different terms mean?
Different browsers use different terms, but here are some terms and
options you may find:
You may also find options that allow you to take the following
security measures:
- Manage cookies - You can disable, restrict, or allow
cookies as appropriate. Generally, it is best to disable cookies and
then enable them if you visit a site you trust that requires them (see
Browsing
Safely: Understanding Active Content and Cookies for more
information).
- Block pop-up windows - Although turning this feature on
could restrict the functionality of certain web sites, it will also
minimize the number of pop-up ads you receive, some of which may be
malicious (see Recognizing and
Avoiding Spyware for more information).
Authors: Mindi McDowell, Jason Rafail
Copyright 2005 Carnegie Mellon University. Terms of use
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Last
updated
January 9, 2008
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