Internet Explorer 7 and its security issues

Restricted Web sites Spyware infections can possibly restrict your favorite Web sites. Find out how to avoid this with advice from Windows security threats expert Kevin Beaver.

A SearchWindowsSecurity.com reader recently asked Kevin: We use Internet Explorer 6 (IE6) to surf the Web. Recently, one site has appeared under a restricted Web site heading. We did not restrict this site and I am wondering if somebody hacked into a machine or this Web site, which, in turn, caused a problem on one of our machines.

Kevin Beaver offered this response:

It could be that you were infected with some spyware code that added this site to your restricted list. Just visiting the site itself could invoke malicious JavaScript code to cause this to happen. Make sure you scan your system with a good spyware scanner/cleaner like Spybot or Windows Defender. Other than that, I'd remove the site from the restricted setting and see if it happens again.

Ask Kevin a Web security question of your own.

Run IE6 securely after downgrading from IE7 Windows hardening expert Jonathan Hassell explains the basics on running Internet Explorer securely after downgrading from its most recent release.

A SearchWindowsSecurity.com reader recently asked Jon: I need to use a software that will install only under IE6. Unfortunately, I have updated to IE7 and because of the Windows hardening that has taken place I am in a sticky situation. What would you suggest to keep my IE secure after downgrading from IE7 to IE6?

Jonathan Hassell offered this response:

Using IE 6 isn't necessarily a losing proposition. Here are some of the basics:

• Install the latest IE patches -- the recent update corrected a pretty big security hole.
• Make sure you have an antivirus tool installed.
• Watch out for sites that can give you spyware (a popup blocker is necessary here to prevent some automated installs).
• Check your zone settings to make sure the Internet isn't a trusted place.
• Consider disabling ActiveX controls.
• Install Firefox and use it exclusively except with the application that requires IE 6.

Ask Jonathan Hassell a Web security question of your own.

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