untangling_the_web

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Despite changes in IE7, Microsoft's browser still relies heavily on ActiveX controls,
which are often exploited by browser hijackers. In fact, PC World lists IE as the
number one Internet threat of 2007 because of IE's "reliance on Microsoft's ActiveX
technolog~, which allows Web sites to run executable programs on your PC via your
browser." 82 Although Firefox is becoming a more tempting target for malicious
hackers, IE remains the target of choice for now both because it is the most popular
browser and because of its dependence on ActiveX.
Disable Autocomplete for Forms and Names/Passwords on Forms
This is another case where placing convenience ahead of security could cost you
dearly. You do not want passwords or forms saved to the browser so that someone
else might use them for some nefarious purpose, Passwords should not be saved
unencrypted or without strong protection anywhere at any time. Many online stores
will ask you if you would like to save your credit card information for future use. Do
not allow websites to save your credit card number: Make a habit of entering
such personal and financial data each time it is needed and only for that transaction.
AutoComplete listspossible matches from entriesyou've
typed before.
Todelete stored form data and passwords, dick the
General tab, dickDelete, and then did< Delete forms or
Delete passwords.
( o~:::=] I Cancel
182 Scott Spanbauer, "Thwart the Three Biggest Internet Threats of 2007," 24 January 2007,
(31 January 2007).
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