How secure is the Internet?        

The Internet works by sending information from computer to computer until the information reaches its destination. So when data is sent from point A to point B, every computer in between has an opportunity to look at what's being sent. This can pose a security problem.

For example, suppose you see a clothing catalog on the World Wide Web, and you decide to buy a shirt. This requires that you type certain facts, including your credit card number, into an order form. You know the clothing company in question is reputable, so you type your information, and then send the completed form.
Your information passes from computer to computer on its way to the clothing company.

Unfortunately, one of the computers in between may have been infiltrated by criminals who could watch the data passing through that computer until they see something interesting, such as your credit card number. Another security problem relates to how files and programs are sent and received between Web sites and your computer. With no security protection, you could run or download files and programs from the Internet that can damage your computer and the information stored on it.

Microsoft Internet Explorer helps to protect you and your data by supporting the following security standards:

• Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 2.0 and 3.0 allow you to send information to secure sites safely and with confidence. Secure sites are equipped to prevent unauthorized people from seeing the data sent to and from those sites. When you are viewing a secure site, Internet Explorer displays a
   lock icon  on the Status Bar.
   
• Site certificates verify the identity of a Web site so that you can feel secure that credit card numbers and other information you send over the Internet go to the owner of the certificate and no one else.
   
• Security zones let you assign Web sites different levels of security based on your level of confidence.
   
• Security alerts warn you before you visit, submit, or download items that have the potential of threatening your security.