The present invention provides a method and system for providing a security element that is directed at inhibiting malicious activity by displaying a browser window in such a way that the user can trust and know the source of the window. Additional information and ornamentation is displayed on the window to help ensure that an end user is not confused or misled ("spoofed") into believing that the window originates from a trusted source. When a call is made to open a browser window, the status bar is displayed by default. The status bar provides additional information, such as the security zone, to the user to help the user in determining the source of the content. The security zone informs the user the location from where the content is originating. This additional information helps to ensure that the user has the necessary information on whether or not to trust the source.