Internet Security Zones

There are 4 security zones in Internet Explorer:

  • Internet
  • Local Intranet
  • Trusted Sites
  • Restricted

By default, all websites that you visit utilize the Internet security zone. This zone should be set to a relatively high setting (i.e. Medium-high, the default setting) to block components that may result in attacks on your browser and on your computer.

  • Note: Be cautious when you change custom settings in the Internet security zone, as the impact affects every site you visit.

You can configure the security for each zone individually. For example:

  • Internet
    • Set to Medium-high.
    • Sites in this zone will have safe settings for running.
    • By default, these sites are not authorized to install additional components to run, which is preferable.

  • Local Intranet
    • Set to Medium-low.
    • Sites configured for this zone are deemed safe and have enabled settings to install components to make them run better.
    • Modifying this zone setting is acceptable only if you identify sites that you trust.

  • Trusted Sites
    • Set to Medium.
    • This is very similar to the Local Intranet zone in terms of permissions.
    • It is not necessary to modify this zone, but if you want more control, you can make modifications.

  • Restricted
    • Set to High.
    • Sites in this zone are not trusted and run with the highest security settings.

If you trust a site and the site wants to or needs to run some components to make it work better, but is currently blocked by the Internet Security Zone, then you should add it to one of the other safe zones like the Local Intranet zone or the Trusted Sites zone.

For example, PointForce iTopia requires more privileges to run and install certain components, like the webclient (web browser). Because you trust PointForce iTopia, you should add the domain of *.tecsys.com to the Local Intranet security zone and enable the settings that are required for it to run. Instructions on how to add the domain and enable the settings are found in the iTopia Compatibility Requirements document(s).

  • When you add the *.tecsys.com domain to the Local Intranet zone, all websites that use tecsys.com in their URL are added to this specific security zone.

 
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