Each of the listed security zones (Internet, Local intranet, Trusted sites, and Restricted sites) can be configured to either a Custom Level or Default Level. All sites not listed elsewhere will default to the Internet Zone.
Quick and easy
One of the simplest - but also the most restrictive (and secure) - methods is to simply change the Internet Zone to High. To access the Security Zones, open Internet Explorer, choose Tools from the menu, select Internet Options, and click the Security tab. Make sure Internet is highlighted, then click the Default button and move the slide bar it reflects High.
Sites you frequently visit and trust implicitly can be added to the Trusted Sites zone. Using the same method described above, set the security settings for the Trusted Sites zone to Medium or Low, depending on your needs.
To add sites to the Trusted sites zone, simply ensure you have highlighted the desired zone, then click the Sites button. In the ensuing dialog box, type in the desired site's URL and click Add. To remove a site from the list, simply highlight it in the list and choose Remove.
More advanced
You can achieve a more custom level of security by taking advantage of the Trusted, Restricted, and Internet zones.
Internet Zone- Set to Default Level (Medium). To do this, make sure Internet is highlighted, then click the Default button. The resulting slide bar should indicate the security zone is set to Medium. If not, slide the bar until it reflects Medium. This provides the best compromise between security and browsing comfort. However, this setting will not suppress pop-ups, but it will suppress active scripting and ActiveX controls that are deemed unsafe and/or are not accompanied by the appropriate signed certification.
After setting the Internet zone to medium security, browse the Internet as normal for a few days and pay particular attention to the behavior of sites you visit frequently.
As you encounter sites that employ intrusive pop-ups or have other undesireable active content, make a note of those sites. Copy and paste the URL of these sites into a Notepad text file and save it to your desktop. This will serve as the list of sites to be added to the Restricted Sites zone.
Do the same for frequently visited sites that you trust but which may no longer function as desired due to the more restrictive Medium settings. Create a separate Notepad text file of these sites that are destined for the Trusted Sites zone.
Now that you have compiled lists of Restricted and Trusted sites, add these sites to their respective intended zone:
Trusted Sites Zone - Highlight Trusted Sites and select the Default Level, ensuring the slide bar is set to Low. Conversely, you can customize the settings by choosing Custom Level and making the desired selections.
Restricted Sites Zone - Highlight Restricted Sites and select the Default Level, ensuring the slide bar is set to High. Conversely, you can customize the settings by choosing Custom Level and making the desired selections. To ensure maximum safety and suppression of pop-ups, all active scripting should be disabled for the Restricted Sites zone.
To add sites to either of these zones, simply ensure you have highlighted the desired zone, then click the Sites button. In the ensuing dialog box, type in the desired site's URL (or copy and paste it from the Notepad file you created) and click Add. To remove a site from the list, simply highlight it and choose Remove.
It is a good idea to periodically check the zone settings. If you find that a site added to the Restricted Sites zone is not functioning as desired, you can remove it from that zone and it will automatically revert to the Medium settings of the Internet zone.
Important note: Make sure you pay regular visits to the Windows Update Center to obtain the latest security patches.
Don't forget your email
Also ensure that your mail client is properly secured, following the tips outlined in the Email Help Center. HTML email uses Internet Explorer for rendering, and Internet Explorer uses Outlook and Outlook Express for certain other functions, i.e. rendering MHTML. This important interplay between the mail client and the browser should not be overlooked when configuring for optimum security. Following these important steps for both Internet Explorer and your mail client will ensure a safer and more pleasant Internet and Email experience.
