 Internet Explorer 7, the latest version of the popular Web browser from Microsoft, provides new and more powerful security features to help protect your computer from viruses and spyware. Internet Explorer also displays warnings when your personal information might be at risk.
Protect your computerHelp protect your computer against spyware
Windows Defender works with Internet Explorer 7 to help prevent spyware from getting onto your computer undetected. This can occur when spyware is part of a larger software download.
Help keep attackers out of your computer
ActiveX controls add valuable features, such as animation or pop-up menus, to Web pages. But Internet attackers can also use these controls in ways that they weren't intended to be used.
Internet Explorer 7 includes an ActiveX opt-in feature, which means that nearly all pre-installed ActiveX controls are off by default. You can still turn them on, however, through the Information Bar and the Add-on Manager. The Add-on Manager also allows you to turn off ActiveX controls once you've enabled them. You can also delete them.
Know when your security settings might be too low
The default security settings for Internet Explorer 7 provide you with a high level of security, while still enabling access to the Internet. However, some sites might require you to change your security settings to a lower level.
When you make critical changes to security settings using Internet Explorer 7 you will see those items highlighted in red. While you browse that particular site and until you change your settings back to a safer level, Internet Explorer reminds you that those new settings might put you at risk.
 You can instantly reset Internet security settings in the Information Bar. Protect your personal informationUse the Phishing Filter to help protect yourself from identity theft
Internet Explorer 7 includes access to an online filter service that advises you when Web sites might be phishing in an attempt to steal your confidential information. The filter performs some local analysis and looks for known characteristics of phishing techniques, and also uses data from the online service that is updated several times an hour. 
Look at the identity information on sites using Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates
Internet Explorer 7 includes support for Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates. An EV SSL certificate not only helps ensure that the communication with a Web site is secure, but also includes information about the owner of the Web site (which has been identified by the Certification Authority (CA) issuing the SSL Certificate.)
The address bar should turn green to alert you that there is more information available about the Web site. The identity of the Web site owner is also displayed on the address bar.
See all your Internet security information in one place on your browser
The Security Status Bar in Internet Explorer 7 includes Phishing Filter notifications, High Assurance certificate information, the gold padlock (which indicates secure Web site connections) and certificate error notifications. You can also check certificate and privacy detail information with a single click.
Clear Internet history with one click
The sites you visit and the information you type when you browse the Web are stored in many different places within your computer.
In Internet Explorer 7, you no longer need to look in multiple locations to delete each separate piece of information. With the Delete Browsing History feature, you can clear all your browsing information with one click.
| 
