How Secure Are the Web Browsers You Use?
Internet browsers have now become a necessity of life. The mobile devices are used in everything and we also use them to read our emails and notifications from social networks, for banking operations or shopping. However, with such information treated often by web browsers, there is a need to always use secure ones.
Here in this article, let me share with you some of the most fundamental netiquette when it comes to browsing the World Wide Web that can help you protect your data from getting into the wrong hands. Let’s dive in!
Keep Your Browser Updated
This is one of the things that every user can do: to make sure that one’s web browser is of the latest version. When Google, Mozilla, Microsoft, and others who are the browsers’ developers go on developing their browsers, new versions contain closer security flaws and implement additional privacy appreciations.
Consequently, opening a browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge with some bug on it puts you directly in risky known vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. He advised that if there is one Single Browser Update Notification it is advice to not to click on the Remind Me Later option. Take a one minute break and update to the newest version and help yourself with internet surfing.
Use a Browser That Prioritizes Privacy
Many current and anticipated web browsers fail to provide the same level of protection to users’ privacies. Some are developed by firms whose main source of income is through compiling users data for advertisement. A few are more cautious with the privacy of their users, these include Mozilla Firefox and Brave among others.
If being private is of concern to you, you should probably get accustomed to a browser that has tracking protection and other privacy-preserving features. The less your browser stores about you the better especially if one day some evil soul hacks into your browser.
Be Careful What You Click
One of the most common dangers on the Internet is considered to be phishing, in which the attacker tries to lure you into providing him with some identifying information currently posing as a legal Web site. At other times, they will share links on the web that appear to belong to your bank, a store you shop at, or even a friend.
So to avoid such situations make sure that if you are asked to click a link in an email, a social media message, or an ad, you do so carefully. This case is that if something looks, sounds, or feels off, it probably is. Do not click on the link but instead go to your browser and locate the company website by typing its URL on the address bar.
Don't Reuse Passwords
In view of the constant incidences of data heists, it is very dangerous to use the same login details on every other website you visit. If a single one of those sites is compromised, people bent on mischief could log into all sorts of other accounts of yours.
The solution that they proposed is the use of different and quality password for the different on-line account. Of course, it is nearly impossible to remember dozens of powerful and complex passwords. That is where the password manager comes into play to assist with the creation and management of passwords. These tools are able to create and also safely store unique passwords for the various websites, thus eliminating the need to recall multiple codes, but instead, the master one.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
That is why if it is available, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for the websites that provide it, and it is preferable to be applied to the most important accounts such as e-mail, banking, and social networks. When the 2FA is implemented, you are required to use an extra factor for the identification apart from your password in the account.
This second factor is usually a one-time code obtained from an application or a code sent by a text message to your phone. For that, even if the branch has your password, the account cannot be opened without the second code.
Be Wary of Browser Extensions
Extensions can make browsers considerably more useful, but it’s well from the comfort of home to tell you that extensions are a threat to your security. Extension programs are effective when you get to install them as they allow the program to view your browsing data and even alter the pages that you visit.
Another classic example of third-party extensions is the action of the malicious extension to harvest user data or to inject ads on web pages. Always use only the trusted source for the extension installation and also check periodically the list of extensions you enable. Delete the ones you seldom or at all use or which you are not familiar with.
Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi
In case you frequently connect to the available Wi-Fi at cafes, airports, or hotels, the information you enter is not protected. There are chances that the other people who are using the same network may monitor your traffic in details.
If you want to surf the internet using Wi-Fi that is open to the public, then to avoid people intrusion then install a VPN. A VPN hides all your internet connections and encrypts all your traffic therefore it cannot be intercepted by anyone. Furthermore, there are features such as Opera browser that has a VPN feature one can turn on.
Keep Plugins Updated
Another component of browsers is plugins such as Java and Flash where security holes can also be formed. Indeed, these plugins are some of the most attacked objects since they are installed in millions of applications while they are rarely updated.
Where it is practical to do so, stick to auto-update for plugins. Even better, it is wise to know which plugins you rarely or never use and disable them. Most websites have walked away from using plugins because it is has been replaced with better security web technologies.
Mind Your Privacy Settings
Popular web browsers of today are equipped with numerous options you can change, for example, Site permissions, including geolocation, camera, and microphone. Typically, please spend some time checking the current privacy level of browsers and adjusting it to a suitable one.
For instance, there is a preference that enables your browser to clear cookies and site data as soon as you close your browser. Or you may turn off the autofill options such your browser does not save some information such as the address and credit card details.
Stay Informed About Threats
Last but not least; it can also be safely and fully said that one of the greatest securities is to just keep yourself updated on the malicious activities or the secure measures being taken these days. Read blogs, and newsletters from reputable security companies, and the security aspects of each new browser version.
The Internet security arena remains a dynamic zone and new attacks and their measures to prevent them continue to exist. If you’re updated and follow the appropriate measures then you can drastically lower the risk and go browsing safely.
Wrapping Up
Notably, protecting your web browser may challenge you slightly, but it is entirely recommendable to help you get the deserved peace of mind. Safety tips that you should adhere to in order to enhance your browsing safety include; always updating your browser, being wary of what you click, creating and using difficult-to-guess passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, using lots of caution whenever downloading extensions, using a VPN where it is necessary, ensuring that your plugins are recent and updating them, adjusting your privacy settings, and lastly being knowledgeable.
