How to Turn the Cross-site Scripting (XSS) Filter On or Off in IE8 and IE9
Information
Cross-site scripting attacks are a leading online threat. Their aim is to exploit vulnerabilities in the websites you visit. How do they work? By compromising legitimate websites with malicious content that can capture keystrokes and record your login information and password. If your login information and password is captured, your personal data could be compromised.
Internet Explorer (IE8 and IE9) has a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Filter feature that can help prevent one website from adding potentially malicious script code to another website. XSS Filter analyzes how websites interact, and when it recognizes a potential attack, it will automatically block script code from running. When this happens, you will see a message in the Notification bar letting you know that the webpage was modified to help protect your privacy and security.
By default the XSS Filter is turned on in IE8 and IE9. This tutorial will show you how to turn the XSS Filter on or off.
For more detailed information about the XSS Filter in IE8 and IE9, see:
Internet Explorer (IE8 and IE9) has a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Filter feature that can help prevent one website from adding potentially malicious script code to another website. XSS Filter analyzes how websites interact, and when it recognizes a potential attack, it will automatically block script code from running. When this happens, you will see a message in the Notification bar letting you know that the webpage was modified to help protect your privacy and security.
By default the XSS Filter is turned on in IE8 and IE9. This tutorial will show you how to turn the XSS Filter on or off.
For more detailed information about the XSS Filter in IE8 and IE9, see:
Note
If the modified webpage doesn't work properly, in a new browser window, go to the website's home page, and then navigate to the webpage directly. If the page still doesn't work correctly, contact the website's administrator.
Warning
It is not recommended to turn off the XSS Filter in IE8 and IE9. Doing so will leave you vulnerable to cross-site scripting attacks as explained above.
EXAMPLE: XSS Filter Alert Message in Internet Explorer
NOTE: When the XSS Filter detects script in a cross-site request, it identifies and disables the script if it is replayed in the server's response. When this happens, a "Internet Explorer has modified this page to help prevent cross-site scripting." message is displayed at the bottom of the webpage in IE8 or IE9.
Here's How:
1. In Internet Explorer, click on Tools (Menu bar) or gear icon (in IE9), and click on Internet Options.
2. In Internet Options, click on the Security tab, select the Internet zone, and click on the Custom level button. (see screenshot below)
3. Scroll down to the Enable XSS Filter option under the Scripting section. (see screenshot below)
4. To Turn On the XSS Filter in IE8 or IE9
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Select (dot) Enable under Enable XSS Filter, and click on OK. (see screenshot below step 3)
B) Go to step 6.
5. To Turn Off the XSS Filter in IE8 or IE9
A) Select (dot) Disable under Enable XSS Filter, and click on OK. (see screenshot below step 3)
6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below step 2)
That's it,
Shawn
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