IE8 Receives Accolade for Focus on Security and Privacy

Internet Explorer is the only browser to receive an Excellence in Online Trust award from Online Trust Alliance, an accolade designed to recognize leaders in innovation, leadership and collaboration in terms of consumer protection and protection of critical infrastructure.

Microsoft has continually made comprehensive investments in enhancing the security of its browser, efforts that continue today with Internet Explorer 9.

According to OTA: “Microsoft [received the] Excellence in Technology Innovation & Empowerment.”

“Microsoft Internet Explorer was recognized for its innovation and leadership including support of P3P, first browser to support Extended Validation SSL Certificates, first to integrate dynamic anti-phishing and anti-malware protection, protection from Cross Site Scripting Exploits and integration of privacy controls including InPrivate Browsing and InPrivate Filtering.”

IE8 contains a number of security and privacy features designed to help users protect against online threats, but also safeguard their personal information.

“Internet Explorer 8 is humbled to be recognized as the recipient of 2010 Excellence in Online Trust Award by (OTA) on September 23,” revealed Microsoft’s James Pratt.

“This award represents a strong commitment by Microsoft and Internet Explorer to follow the OTA principles.”

The browser’s SmartScreen Filter is designed to keep users safe from malware and phishing attacks while they surf the web.

In addition, the browser comes with security features designed to fend off clickjacking, cross-site script attacks, and domain spoofing attacks.

And while other browsers phone home to report every single word that the user types into the address bar, IE allows users to better control their privacy using features such InPrivate Browsing and InPrivate Filtering, which have also been adopted by rivals after IE8 featured them.

“The results of this work are self-evident. Back in July we announced that we had already blocked 1 billion attempts to download malware,” Pratt added.

“Over the course of IE 9 Beta new security features will be introduced, such as the download reputation notification that warns users about higher risk downloads.

“If you’re using an earlier version of Internet Explorer you should download Internet Explorer 9. With IE9 now in Beta, you can benefit from enhanced security features as well as from an all-round fast experience with our new clean UI that puts the focus on your sites.”

Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) Beta is available for download here.

Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) RTW is available for download here (for 32-bit and 64-bit flavors of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008).