Safer Browsing by Disabling Javascript in IE6 and IE7

Turn off Javascript in IE6 and IE7 to protect against latest security threat

Warning: As of  November 24, 2009 Microsoft has no plans for a fix that will quash the vulnerability in Internet Explorer that could allow remote code execution.

This tip will help you minimize the risk associated with this bug by providing instructions for how to turn off Javascript in Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 7.

Background

Security experts and companies are recommending that Internet Explorer users disable Javascript support until further notice.

The reason: An exploit for a previously undiscovered flaw in the Internet Exploder web browser has been found on the Internet.

Symantec, the security company that was first to expose this security hole, says in its blog that "the exploit currently exhibits signs of poor reliability, but we expect that a fully-functional reliable exploit will be available in the near future.  When this happens, attackers will have the ability to insert the exploit into Web sites, infecting potential visitors."

According to Microsoft, this security exposure exists in Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 7 only and does not existing in Internet Explorer 8.

Instructions

Since no patch is currently offered by Microsoft, we are providing instructions to address this issue by disabling the Javascript feature in your  Internet Explorer 6 or  Internet Explorer 7 browser:

1. In Internet Explorer, go to the "Tools" menu, then select the "Internet Options" menu item.
2. In the Internet Options dialog box that opens, select the "Security" tab, then click the "Internet" content zone.
3. Then, click the "Custom Level" button.
4. In the "Security Settings" dialog box that opens, navigate in the "Settings" box to the "Scripting" branch (almost at the bottom).
5. Under "Active scripting" click the "Disable" radio button.
6. Now click "OK" in the current dialog box, as well as in the next dialog box.
7. That's it. You are safer now.  
   

Note: While some websites might cease to work properly with Javascript disabled, Software Candy's website operation is not dependent on Javascript.



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