How to Change Browser Security Settings

The security settings on your Web browser determine what types of pages you visit and they protect you from potentially dangerous sites. For example, many browsers give you the option to block particular websites that are known to "phish," which means they try to trick you into disclosing your personal financial data.

These features are initially set when you first download your browser, but you have the ability to change them if you feel they are inappropriate for your needs. Make use of the tools on your Web browser to change your security settings, as you prefer.

Internet Explorer

1: Launch your Internet Explorer Web browser.

2: Click the "Tools" menu and select the "Internet Options" title.

3: Click the "Security" option at the top of the "Internet Options" window.

4: Click an item, such as "Internet" or "Restricted sites," to access the menus that controls these features. Click the slider menu and the buttons to specify each setting.

5: Restart your Internet Explorer browser to save your edited security rules.

Safari

6: Bring up your Safari browser.

7: Click the "Edit" (Windows) or "Safari" (Mac) menu and select the "Preferences" option.

8: Click the "Security" tab in the dialog window.

9: Click the boxes to activate or deactivate the security settings that you want. For example, in the "Web content" section, you have the option to block pop-up windows, while in the "Accept cookies" section you determine when it is appropriate for your browser to accept cookies.

10: Close the dialog window and restart your browser. Your security settings are now changed.

Firefox

11: Start your Firefox Web browser.

12: Select the "Options" item from the "Tools" menu. On a Mac, click the "Preferences" option from the the "Firefox" menu.

13: Click the "Security" button at the top of the window.

14: Click the boxes, such as "Block reported attack sites," to enable or disable the items that you prefer. Firefox also gives you the ability to specify how you want your passwords and warning messages handled.

15: Restart Firefox to allow your new settings to take effect.