How To Internet & Network How To Configure Security on Internet Explorer Manage your settings with a simple process Share Pin Email Print Andriy Onufriyenko/Getty Images Internet & Network Basics Guides & Tutorials Installing & Upgrading Tips & Tricks Key Concepts What Are Bitcoins? The Wireless Connection by Tony Bradley, CISSP-ISSAP Tony Bradley is a former Lifewire writer and tech journalist who specializes in network and internet security. He is a respected information security expert and prolific author. Updated June 05, 2019 Internet Explorer (IE) offers four zones to help you set security depending on how well you know or trust the site. Configuring your IE security settings for each zone can help you safely browse the internet without fear of malicious code. Instructions in this article apply to Microsoft Internet Explorer for PCs. How to Manage Security on IE Follow these instructions to create the level of security you want on IE. At the top of IE, on the menu bar, select Tools > Internet Options. In the Internet Options dialog box, go to the Security tab. IE categorizes sites into the zones: Internet, Local intranet, Trusted sites, and Restricted sites. Select the zone you want to configure. Use the security level bar to raise or lower the security for that zone. Repeat for each zone. See below for details on each setting. Medium is appropriate for most internet browsing. This setting includes safeguards against malicious code but allows you to view most websites. Select Apply. Select OK. To fine-tune your settings, select Custom level and make adjustments in the Security Settings - Internet Zone dialog box. When done, select OK. IE Security Setting Descriptions Use the following guide to decide which security settings you want in IE. High The safest way to browse, but also the least functional.Less secure features are disabled.Appropriate for sites that might have harmful content. Medium Safe browsing and still functional.Prompts before downloading potentially unsafe content.Unsigned ActiveX controls aren't downloadedAppropriate for most internet sites. Medium-Low Same as Medium but without prompts.Most content runs without prompts.Unsigned ActiveX controls aren't downloaded.Appropriate for sites on a local network (intranet). Low Minimal safeguards and warning prompts are provided.Most content is downloadable and runs without prompts.All active content can run.Appropriate for sites that you absolutely trust. Continue Reading