Internet Explorer 8 Most secure browser.

v1ru5

Well-Known Member
Oct 24, 2008
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Harrisburg PA.
According to a recent independent study, Microsoft's Internet Explorer 8 has been found to be the most secure browser currently available.

The study was conducted by US based security research company NSS Labs, and included testing for Google's Chrome, Firefox 3, the beta of Opera 10, Safari 4, and Internet Explorer 8.

Microsoft have been keen to stress the security features that its latest browser possesses, and this new report reveals that the software excels in blocking various phishing and malware attacks.

NSS Labs' study detailed that "Internet Explorer 8 and Firefox 3 were the most consistent in the high level of protection they offered", with Apple's Safari 4 performing the poorest in every test.

Interestingly Microsoft funded the entire report, casting doubt over the findings' legitimacy. NSS Labs did respond on the topic of sponsorship, stating that in order to carry out projects such as these, monetary support was required, and that they "invited Google, Mozilla, Apple and Opera to participate" but none of which responded.

And even if Internet Explorer is as safe as this report suggests, it still has some way to come before it’s as fast as it’s rivals.

Study Touts Internet Explorer 8 As Worlds Most Secure Browser - PC World
 

DAB

Mod Emeritus
Oct 9, 2008
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Since it supports plugins I am shocked no one has created a FF like ad blocker. I agree the ad blocker is something I really enjoy about FF.

I am not surprised about Safari being the poorest because of the perception that Mac doesn't have security issues to worry about.

I use IE as necessary due to the active X.
 

DAB

Mod Emeritus
Oct 9, 2008
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Yeah, I loaded that IE Tab, but for the little bit I need to use active X for work, I find just opening IE is no big deal. FF also slows down the more plug-ins you have in terms of opening. I try to keep it lean and mean, most of the plug-ins I've tried are junk anyway. FF opens slow compared to IE and Safari I can tell you that by a long shot. That is true on every machine I've used it. I also find in terms of rendering graphics which this article doesn't discuss FF has fallen behind a notch there too. Safari is damn fast at rendering graphics, but that maybe part of why it is less secure too. I use FF about 99% of the time. I play with Safari on my Mac and use IE as necessary in Windows.
 

Jon

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Dec 16, 2008
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hell-froze-over.jpg
 

ProperModulation

Green Type of Tube
Oct 11, 2008
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Kind of related to browser security:

Sandboxie - Sandbox software for application isolation and secure Web browsing

I use FF almost all of the time for personal stuff. I do use IE at work to run an app that we developed for a customer, but it is served from a private network that lives on a proprietary machine located in the electronics bay of an aircraft, so internet security really isn't an issue there :).

I've been wanting to try the sandbox software above after I heard about on on Leo Laporte's radio show but I havent really had the time. Looks like an interesting solution to insecure web browsers though.
 

v1ru5

Well-Known Member
Oct 24, 2008
1,690
67
48
Harrisburg PA.
Kind of related to browser security:

Sandboxie - Sandbox software for application isolation and secure Web browsing

I use FF almost all of the time for personal stuff. I do use IE at work to run an app that we developed for a customer, but it is served from a private network that lives on a proprietary machine located in the electronics bay of an aircraft, so internet security really isn't an issue there :).

I've been wanting to try the sandbox software above after I heard about on on Leo Laporte's radio show but I havent really had the time. Looks like an interesting solution to insecure web browsers though.
I heard that show this past weekend also, I'll also check out Sandbox.
 

xan_user

Banned
Dec 16, 2008
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hexagram

Medicinal & Recreational.
Oct 11, 2008
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When it comes to compatibility:

IE8 only scores 20/100 on the acid3 test, whereas Firefox scores 93/100.

(Internet Explorer 8)
Acid3ie8rc1.png


(Firefox)
Acid3Fx3.5.png
 

IdRatherBeSkiing

Sherbet is NOT and NEVER WILL BE ice cream.
Oct 11, 2008
27,230
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When it comes to compatibility:

IE8 only scores 20/100 on the acid3 test, whereas Firefox scores 93/100.

(Internet Explorer 8)
Acid3ie8rc1.png


(Firefox)
Acid3Fx3.5.png

Compatibility with what? I find it hard to believe that with most websites designed for IE, that IE would not be compatible. I run IE8 but allow it to run in IE7 mode if it chooses. I have no issues.

With the demise of Netscape, I switched to IE and have sort of stuck with it. It works for my liking.
 

DAB

Mod Emeritus
Oct 9, 2008
9,434
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Louisiana
I think the bottom line is it finally good to see that MS has gotten SERIOUS about addressing all the security issues with IE 8. There is no doubt that IE has been the most attacked browser out there, but that is because for years and years they have totally dominated the browser market.

It is the same reason that Windows OS's have always been attacked because they own the market. While Mac OS's have really never had enough market for those that want their 2 minutes of fame to make it worth their while.

I will say this, I can't stand the Google Chrome, it may render graphics faster, but far too many web sites either look shitty or don't load very well. Hell even Safari is better by comparison in my book and I don't honestly think that much of Safari either.

Google with the browser and next the OS, competition is a good thing, but they have a long way to go in my opinion, but I am glad to see them making the effort. For way too long we've had no one even try to go up against MS. I think this is the right move at the right time.

I also think that Acid test is BS!