How to Find Unsecure Elements on a Page

Internet browsers can caution users about visiting an unsecured Web page.

Users see most Web page elements because the developer programmed the page to show those items on the screen. However, many other parts of the page aren't so apparent, operating in the background of the Internet browser. This hidden activity makes websites user-friendly, but can also harbor unsafe elements that are not so kind -- viruses, hackers and spyware. Some Web pages might have "mixed" elements, secure and unsecure. As the user, visually rooting out unwanted elements could be daunting. Instead, you can enable security features in four common Internet browsers that will automatically find unsecure page elements.

Instructions

1. Open the Firefox browser. Click "Tools." Select "Options." Choose "Security." Click "Settings" in the "Warning Messages" section. Check all of the boxes in the "Security Warnings" dialog box. Click "OK." The Firefox browser will now display an alert about unsecure Web page elements, even if there is some encryption.

2. Launch the Chrome browser. Click the "wrench" icon. Select "Options." Choose "Under the Hood" in the left pane. Scroll down to the "Security" section. Check the box next to "Check for Server Certificate Revocation." Close the "Options" tab. Chrome will verify all elements on an encrypted Web page are secure and alert users in the browser when security is lacking.

3. Access the Internet Explorer browser. Click "Tools." Select "Internet Options." Click the "Advanced" tab. Scroll down to the "Security" section. Check the box next to "Warn If Changing Between Secure and Not Secure Mode." Click "Apply" and "OK." IE will display a warning when the browser is about to transition from secure to non-secure Web pages.

4. Start the Safari browser. Click on the "gear wheel" icon. Select "Preferences." Click the "Security" tab. Check the box next to "Ask Before Sending a Non-Secure Form To a Secure Website." Safari will alert you when you are about to send form-based data that is not encrypted.

Tips & Warnings

• If the native warning features in your installed Internet browser are not sufficient to allay your security concerns, use add-ons to make up for those functions lacking in the software. For example, the "Adblock Plus" add-on for Firefox prevents nearly all advertisements on a Web page from loading. Web ads are just one of many elements that can compromise your security.

• Additionally, you should strongly consider installing four types of security software on your PC: antivirus, firewall, antispyware and anti-adware.

References

• Mozilla Firefox: Options Window -- Security Panel: How To
• Google Chrome: Website Security Indicators
• Microsoft TechNet: Internet Explorer: Enhanced Security Configuration
• Apple Safari: Turning Off Security Warnings

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish