Improve Your Privacy Online With Internet Explorer

01/07/2009 

Internet privacy is a hot issue that affects every single person online. Whether you are aware of it or not, little bits of personal information can easily be accessed if you do not take steps to protect yourself. Here are some simple tips to help you protect your privacy while using Internet Explorer.

1. Change how it handles cookies.

Cookies are little bits of information that web sites store on your computer. They may contain user names and passwords, or even in some cases, your credit card information. Unfortunately, cookies are very easy to break into and you may end up losing some critical personal data to thieves.

To change IE's cookie handling, click on Tools in the toolbar menu. Then, click on Internet Options. Once this is open, click on the Privacy Tab. You'll see a window with a slider on it. Move the slider to at least "Medium."

What this means is that IE will only allow cookies from sites that have set privacy policies and don't store vital data in the cookie files. If you are really concerned, set the slider to "High," but you may find it difficult to access some sites.

2. Stop certain sites from accessing your information.

Internet Explorer allows you the option of limiting which sites can have access to your computer. Here's how to make sure only the most trusted sites will be allowed to store cookies or other information on your computer.

Click on Tools and then Internet Options again. Now, click on the Security Tab. You'll see an icon marked "Restricted Sites." Click on this icon. If you know the URL of a site that you don't want to allow, type it in here. Add it and then click ok. That site will be blocked from accessing your computer in the future.

3. Install Available Updates.

Since hackers are continuously trying to find ways to bypass security measures, Microsoft is constantly working on patching any holes that are found. Stay on top of the latest patch releases and immediately install them on your system when they become available.

You may be able to automate this process if your computer already has automatic updates. Keeping your browser patched is a vital part of protecting your privacy. Larger updates should also be installed whenever they become available. It may be irritating to have to keep installing these protective measures, but what is your privacy worth?

These are just three simple ways that you can keep your information safe while you surf. If you are ever in doubt about the authenticity of a site, don't rely on your browser to tell you it's not safe. Just leave and find another site. Never give your information to any site that you do not trust. If they don't have a privacy policy and a way to contact them, you're better off not sharing your data. A few preventative measures can really mean the difference when it comes to protecting your privacy online.

Download Privacy Controls now and protect your PC from snoops!