{"id":2819,"date":"2018-07-27T14:30:13","date_gmt":"2018-07-27T14:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.gridinsoft.com\/?p=2819"},"modified":"2022-02-03T16:56:46","modified_gmt":"2022-02-03T16:56:46","slug":"how-can-you-enhance-the-security-of-your-browser","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gridinsoft.com\/blogs\/how-can-you-enhance-the-security-of-your-browser\/","title":{"rendered":"How can you enhance the security of your browser?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Which is the most secure Web browser? Google Chrome? Mozilla Firefox? Microsoft\u2019s Edge? It\u2019s a simple question but the answer is quite complicated.<\/p>\n

Five years back a poll was carried out and results shows security-conscious browser users overwhelmingly voted Firefox as the most secure. But during the annual Pwn2own hacking contest in March 2014, Firefox was exploited four times with zero-day attacks, making it one of the least secure browsers.<\/p>\n

To complicate matters further, a 2013 comparative analysis of five popular Web browsers by NSS Labs found that Internet Explorer outperformed its competitors. Even so, the NSS Labs research showed that no single browser uniformly protected users against the majority of security threats and privacy risks.<\/p>\n

If no single browser is bulletproof, the next best thing is to make sure your favorite browser is as secure as possible. Here are some ways you can enhance the security of your browser and be hackproof:<\/p>\n

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  1. Configure your browser\u2019s security and privacy settings<\/li>\n

    Review your browser\u2019s privacy and security settings to make sure you\u2019re comfortable with what\u2019s checked or unchecked. For example, look to see if your browser is blocking third-party cookies, which can enable advertisers to track your online activities.<\/p>\n

    For specific browser security and privacy settings, read the recommendations and steps outlined in the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s \u201cSecuring Your Web Browser\u201d. The guide also explains browser features and their associated risks, such as ActiveX, Java, certain plug-ins, cookies, and JavaScript.<\/p>\n

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  2. Keep your browser updated<\/li>\n

    Frequently, browser updates are released to plug recently discovered security holes. So it\u2019s important to always keep any browsers you use updated.<\/p>\n

  3. Sign up for alerts<\/li>\n

    Consider setting up Google alerts for your browser to stay current on any emerging security issues. If you use Internet Explorer, for example, create a Google Alert using the keywords Internet Explorer security, or something similar. You can opt to receive instant, daily or weekly alerts whenever news articles or other content relevant to that topic hits the Web.<\/p>\n

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  4. Be cautious when installing plug-ins<\/li>\n

    Plug-ins and extensions can sometimes put you at risk. For instance, earlier this year, it was discovered that some Chrome extensions can change service or ownership without notification to users. As a result, Chrome\u2019s regulations for extensions is changing this June to keep extensions from becoming anything other than \u201csimple and single-purpose in nature,\u201d according to Google.<\/p>\n

  5. Make sure you have an AV installed<\/li>\n

    Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) can slip past when you install any sort of software. These little buggers can switch browsers on you without warning and you might never even notice. Keeping a reputable antivirus program like GridinSoft Anti-Malware installed is one of the best ways to keep PUP from hijacking your browser and ruining your day.<\/p>\n

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  6. Install security plug-ins<\/li>\n

    The majority of plug-ins and extensions are safe, however, and some can help bolster your browser\u2019s security. Here are three suggested\u2014and free\u2014browser extensions for added security.<\/p>\n