Pierluigi Paganini
June 30, 2019
There are a number of web browsers available for surfing sites and accessing the content. The most popular and widely used are Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Opera. No matter which browser you use there are certain security leaks in each one of them.
Individuals and organizations choose browsers on the basis of their different features like interface, downloading speed, smart features, and compatibility for different sites. But have you ever considered the security feature of your browser as a selecting criterion? Have you ever wondered if your browser is secured?
These questions may sound unfamiliar as often people don’t bother about the security of the web browsers. But in reality, web browsers can be as malicious as any other malware software. Attackers use different strategies for hacking your device data and web browsers are one of their prime sources for tracking and spying the online and offline activities on your device. Malicious web browser can also direct you to unauthorized links while surfing the internet.
Web browsers are at constant security risks but making them secure is not much difficult. You can easily enhance the security of your favorite browser by implementing the following tips.
It is recommended to use an updated version of the web browser to enhance its security. The outdated browsers with no latest versions and the older versions of the latest browsers are the most vulnerable to attack. Remember the hijacker can control your browser only till you have not installed any update on it. So it is a better idea to enable auto updates on your browser so you can have a browser that is efficient for dealing with latest security concerns. You should also remove the Redirect Virus in system if in case it is infected by any.
There is a lot in your hand when it comes to deciding what to allow on your browser and what to limit. Configure your browser setting as per your required level of security. Like you can inhibit third-party cookies which is a major source of tracking your online activities. You can also limit the password saving option in your browser to further enhance the security of your browser as well as of your accounts.
Plug-ins are the major source of attacking your browser. Only install the plug-ins for your browser that are essential and are authentic.
There are a lot of plug-ins that were needed by the browser in the past but are not required any more. Delete all the outdated plug-ins from your device and make it a habit of removing plug-ins when they are not in use.
Also, keep updating the latest versions of all the plug-ins installed in your device as it will reduce the security risks.
Anti-virus software is a must have for your device. It helps in detecting the invading viruses and malware that are aimed at manipulating the browser setting.
There are small packets of unknown data or ambiguous files known as Potential Unwanted Programs. These program files get installed on your device without your consent whenever you install new software or update an older one. These are aimed at causing damage to your device software including web browsers.
If your device is protected with an updated version of anti-virus software there are little chances for Potential Unwanted Programs to get installed on your device. If in case PUPs paved their way to your device, anti-virus software will detect its presence and notify you about it. This will inhibit its access to the device software keeping your browser and other software secured.
Sign up for google alerts to get updates about all the activities on your browser. You can get them for Google Chrome as well as for Internet Explorer.
Browser alerts are often very annoying as nobody wants to see hundreds of alerts each day. But these same alerts are your prime source of getting notified if something suspicious happens at your browser. So it is better to take a little pain of alerts for ensuring your browser safety.
Browser security is often neglected and people pay little heed towards it. But if this same browser gets hijacked it can become a tool for the hijacker and serve as a prey source. You can easily secure your web browsers by being a little more cautious about your device security and become vigilant while installing anything on your device.
About the author: Susan Alexandra is a Cybersecurity and Privacy Enthusiast. She is a small business owner, traveler and investor of cryptocurrencies. Susan’s inbox is open for new ideas and stories, you can share your story ideas to susanalexandra67(at)gmail(dot)com
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(SecurityAffairs – web browser, hacking)
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