powered by Live Search
HomeProductsBuyDownloadsHelp and How-to
Easier, safer, and more entertaining
Features Explained

Microsoft Phishing Filter in Internet Explorer

Microsoft Phishing Filter in Internet Explorer 7

The new Phishing Filter in Internet Explorer 7.

The new Microsoft Phishing Filter in Windows Internet Explorer 7 uses an online service that is updated several times an hour with the latest industry information about fraudulent websites. This service warns you about both known and suspected fraudulent sites.

The Phishing Filter combines a local (client side) system scanning for suspicious website characteristics with an online service. This opt-in feature uses two “checks” to help protect users from phishing scams:

  • It analyzes websites users want to visit by checking those sites for characteristics common to phishing sites.

  • It sends the website address to an online service run by Microsoft to be checked immediately against a frequently updated list of reported and known phishing sites.

If the website you are trying visit is a known phishing site, Internet Explorer 7 signifies a threat level (in red) and automatically navigates you to a neutral warning page. If a site has not been confirmed as a phishing site but is behaving like many phishing sites do, you'll be warned and shown a yellow flag in the Address Bar. You can report any phishing sites or false positives to the Phishing Filter right from your browser.

The Phishing Filter is not enabled by default—you must actively enable the feature the first time you use the browser after installation. You can enable and disable the Phishing Filter with just a single click at any time using the browser menus.



Some product features are only available in certain editions of Windows Vista and may require advanced or additional hardware.

Compare editionsCompare key features available in editions of Windows Vista.

Windows LiveStay connected to friends and family and share memories easily with free, easy-to-use Windows Live tools.

Join the communityConnect with others through blogs, chats, webcasts, articles, and events.

Windows Vista

Are you ready for Windows Vista?
Are you ready for Windows Vista?
Use our Upgrade Advisor to get ready.
Great deals on software, PCs
Great deals on software, PCs
See special offers from our trusted partners.
Tips and news in your inbox
Tips and news in your inbox
Get Windows tips, advice, and news in your inbox.
Microsoft
© 2008 Microsoft