What are Microsoft Security Zones?

Answer: Security Zones are security settings for websites that you may open with Internet Explorer. These settings can be set to High, Medium, Medium-low, or Low. They can also set to a custom configuration by the user.

By modifying security zone settings, you can limit what websites your computer can access and what type of information can be dowloaded from the websites. For example, you may choose to authorize all downloads from one site, while choosing not to allow any downloads from another. The first website would be set to a "Trusted" zone, while the other website would be marked as a "Restricted" zone. Other settings include ActiveX limitations, the ability to send nonencrypted data, allowing scripts to run, and automatic logon.

To modify your computer's security zones, first open Internet Explorer. Then select "Internet Options" from the "Tools" menu. Click the "Security" tab and you will see the current security zone settings.

For detailed information about configuring security zones, visit Microsoft's Setting Up Security Zones Web page.

Published: January 19, 2006   —   Updated: May 23, 2010 — by Per Christensson