IE Protected Mode and Phishing Filter

Internet Explorer 7.0, when running under Windows Vista (not XP or earlier operating
Protected Mode. This means that dishonest web sites that
systems), operates by default in
a user happens to visit cannot trick IE 7 into changing Windows system files or other cru-
cial configuration details.
A separate feature, but one that can work in concert with Protected Mode to keep users
Phishing Filter. IE 7 regularly downloads from a
out of trouble, is Microsoftís new
Microsoft server a list of web addresses that appear to be fraudulent. These sites may get
on the list because theyíre collecting passwords or credit card numbers from gullible con-
sumers, theyíre downloading spyware to peopleís computers, or for other reasons. In any
case, IE 7 doesnít display known phishing sites, instead warning the user about the iden-
tified 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.
Itís 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. Itís likely that Microsoftís 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 securityóand then invest a few bucks in any independ-
ent downloads that are top rated.


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