IE8: SmartScreen filter for better security
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All Web browsers recent upgrade their tools anti-phishing and anti-malware. Internet Explorer 8 is no exception.
Both Opera 9.5 and Firefox 3.0 had the desire to propose security features more advanced in order to fight against various threats in the field embodied by the malware and phishing. Otherwise known as phishing, phishing is to recall a technique used by criminals and to make people believe that a user is directed to a trusted third party as a seemingly legitimate website in order to obtain personal information and where appropriate usurp his identity. Internet Explorer 8 Microsoft will also have this concern.
In Internet Explorer 7, Microsoft has already introduced a security feature dynamic designed to alert users in case they try to consult a site identified as fraudulent. With the help of various partners, Microsoft has also added support for Extended Validation technology in IE7, which is implemented in PayPal example, in order to color the address bar green when consulting a site to ‘legitimate identity. In this connection, PayPal had criticized Apple’s Safari browser for not having followed the same path that IE7.
With IE8, Microsoft continues its efforts, and in a note published on IEBlog, product manager for Internet Explorer security explains that the protection against phishing has been improved in the browser with the development of a SmartScreen filter. The SmartScreen technology is already used in email clients online with a view to fight against spam.
Anti-malware also on the agenda for IE8
In addition to the anti-phishing filter SmartScreen tackle anti-malware benefiting from the ecosystem dedicated Microsoft to include a blacklist of sites exploits distributing malicious software. “The feature SmartScreen anti-malware takes advantage of the reputation of a URL, which means that the host servers programs are evaluated to determine if these servers are known to distribute content unsafe. This analysis is done in concert with other anti-malware technology-based signatures as Malicious Software Removal Tool, Windows Defender and Windows Live OneCare, “said Eric Lawrence. In case of danger, a specific page will be displayed in order to deter the user to continue its consultation.
Beyond SmartScreen other security features will be present in IE8 with a filter to prevent XSS attacks Cross Site Scripting, a communication more secure with iFrames or changes in the way ActiveX controls are handled.
All these security features will come into action with the release of beta 2 IE8 scheduled for August 2008. A first version in French was also on the agenda for this beta 2 but should be available later.