Protected Mode: Reducing Internet Explorer’s Privileges
Because spyware often leeches onto a system through a drive-by or pop-up download, it makes sense to set up the web browser as the first line of defense. Microsoft has done just that by including protected mode for Internet Explorer. Protected mode builds on Windows 8’s User Account Control feature. Protected Mode means that Internet Explorer runs with a privilege level that’s high enough to surf the Web, but that’s about it. Internet Explorer can’t install software without your permission, modify the user’s files or settings, add shortcuts to the Startup folder, or even change its own settings for the default home page and search engine. The Internet Explorer code is completely isolated ...
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