Boost Your Online Protection with Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge offers two optional browsing modes—Balanced and Strict—for enhanced security to provide you with an extra layer of protection when browsing the web and unfamiliar sites. These advanced security features in Microsoft Edge help safeguard against memory-related vulnerabilities by disabling just-in-time (JIT) JavaScript compilation and enabling additional operating system protections for the browser.
With these protections in place, Microsoft Edge helps reduce the risk of an attack by automatically applying stricter security settings on unfamiliar sites while adapting to your browsing habits over time. You may see enhanced security turned on by default due to ongoing development and testing in Microsoft Edge.
If you want to turn the security feature off, you can select from two levels of browsing security: Balanced (Microsoft Edge applies added security protections to sites you don’t visit often or are unknown to you) or Strict (Microsoft Edge applies added security protections to all sites visited by default). Sites can also be added to an exception list to have the feature turned on or off by default.
To manage your enhanced security settings in Microsoft Edge:
- Go to Settings and more > Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
- Under the Security section, confirm that Enhance your security on the web is On.
- Select the browsing mode that’s right for you.
- Manage the sites on your exception list by selecting Manage enhanced security for sites.
Customize Your Privacy and Security Settings in Windows 10
Windows 10 offers a range of privacy and security settings that allow you to control how much information you share with Microsoft. You can access these settings by going to the Start menu, opening Settings, and selecting Privacy & security.
Here, you’ll find a list of general privacy options, as well as links to specific privacy settings on the left side of the page. Some key features include:
- Camera and Microphone Access: Manage which apps can access your device’s camera and microphone.
- Location Services: Control which apps can access your location information.
- Diagnostic Data: Choose between Required and Optional diagnostic data collection levels to balance privacy and troubleshooting needs.
- Tailored Experiences: Opt-in or out of personalized tips, ads, and recommendations based on your Windows diagnostic data.
By navigating through these settings, you can fine-tune your privacy preferences and strike a balance between convenience and protecting your personal information.
Safeguard Your Microsoft Account and Online Presence
Your Microsoft account is the gateway to a range of Microsoft services, from Outlook and OneDrive to Xbox and Microsoft 365. Securing your Microsoft account is crucial for maintaining your privacy and preventing unauthorized access.
There are three main types of Microsoft accounts:
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Personal Microsoft Accounts: These accounts are used to access a wide variety of Microsoft products and services, and the data associated with them includes credentials, contact information, payment data, and more.
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Work or School Accounts: These accounts are provided by your organization (e.g., employer or school) and often have additional security and management policies in place.
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Third-Party Accounts: These accounts are linked to your Microsoft account from external providers, such as social media platforms or other services.
Regardless of the type of Microsoft account you use, it’s essential to enable strong security measures, such as two-factor authentication, to protect your personal information and prevent unauthorized access. You can manage your account security and privacy settings through the Microsoft Privacy Dashboard.
Safeguard Children’s Privacy and Safety
For users under the age of 13 or as specified by law in their jurisdiction, certain Microsoft products and services will either block users under that age or will ask them to obtain consent or authorization from a parent or guardian before they can use it, including when creating an account to access Microsoft services.
Microsoft’s Family Safety features allow parents and guardians to create a safer environment for their family group, with options for digital content filtering, screen time limits, spending controls, and location sharing. As the organizer of a Microsoft family group, you can manage your child’s information and settings, as well as view and delete their data on the privacy dashboard.
Harness the Power of Artificial Intelligence Responsibly
Microsoft leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in many of its products and services, including the integration of generative AI features like Microsoft Copilot. Microsoft’s deployment and use of AI is subject to its AI Principles and Responsible AI Standard, ensuring that the collection and use of personal data in developing and deploying AI features is consistent with the commitments outlined in this privacy statement.
When using Copilot features in Microsoft products, you can choose to allow Copilot to access the content you’re working with to provide helpful insights and recommendations. Microsoft is committed to empowering users with AI-powered tools while prioritizing privacy and responsible data practices.
Enterprise and Developer Products: Navigating Privacy Considerations
Microsoft’s Enterprise and Developer Products are designed primarily for use by organizations and developers. When using these products, it’s important to understand that the privacy practices may differ from the consumer-focused products covered in this privacy statement.
As a customer, you may provide data to Microsoft, such as Customer Data, Personal Data, Administrator Data, Payment Data, and Support Data. Microsoft acts as a processor of this data, with the customer as the controller, except in certain cases where Microsoft takes on the responsibilities of a data controller.
To ensure your privacy is protected, review the product-specific documentation and settings to understand how data is collected, used, and secured. If you’re an end-user of an Enterprise or Developer Product provided by your organization, direct any privacy inquiries to your organization’s administrator, as they may have additional policies and controls in place.
Secure Your Devices and Apps with Diagnostic Data
Windows 10 and other Microsoft products collect diagnostic data to help keep your devices secure, up-to-date, and performing optimally. This data includes information about your device, its settings, and its usage, which is used to solve problems, improve products, and provide personalized experiences (when you opt-in).
There are two levels of diagnostic data collection in Windows 10: Required and Optional. The Required level includes essential information needed to maintain the security and performance of your device, while the Optional level provides additional data that can be used to enhance your personalized experiences.
To manage your diagnostic data settings in Windows 10:
- Go to the Start menu, open Settings, and select Privacy & security.
- Under the Diagnostics & feedback section, review the diagnostic data options and choose the level that best suits your privacy preferences.
By carefully configuring your diagnostic data settings, you can strike a balance between protecting your privacy and allowing Microsoft to improve its products and services.
Navigating the Privacy Landscape of Microsoft Products
Microsoft offers a wide range of products and services, each with its own privacy considerations. Throughout this article, we’ve explored various privacy and security features across different Microsoft offerings, from web browsing in Microsoft Edge to managing diagnostic data in Windows 10.
Remember, your privacy preferences are unique, and it’s important to review the settings and options available to you within each Microsoft product or service you use. By taking the time to understand and customize your privacy settings, you can enhance your online security and maintain control over your personal information.
For more information on Microsoft’s commitment to privacy and security, visit the Microsoft Privacy website. And to stay up-to-date on the latest IT solutions and technology trends, be sure to explore the resources available on IT Fix.
