Web browsers have become complicated semi-operating systems in their own right. This means more features and operability, but it also means more ways for hackers to exploit your browser for malicious reasons. That’s why, these days, secure web browsing is just as important as the Securing Your Web Browser you place on your computer, server, or any other piece of computing equipment. Here’s a look at internet security and why you need to practice secure browsing at home, at work, and on your mobile devices.
Covered Topics
Understanding the Importance of Internet Security
Just about everything is internet-connected these days, or online. The primary way people reach businesses, services, and even other people is through a browser window. And it’s through that window that people pass highly sensitive information back and forth.
That information includes things like bank account numbers, passwords, intimate personal details, and practically everything you wouldn’t want to fall into a stranger’s hands. In addition, a majority of malware comes directly from people going online through their browsers and downloading compromised software.
A large amount of identity theft comes from people opening a browser to a less than reputable site and allowing that site to collect their data through phishing, pharming, spoofing, malicious cookies, and a host of other methods. These things can occur on any browser, whether it’s on your PC, Mac, Android, or IOS device. All you smug Linux users should know you’re also not immune to these dangers.
What You Can Do to Strengthen Browser Security
Luckily, for every threat out there, a solution exists to mitigate or curtail it. There are a variety of common-sense things you can do to secure your browser, increase internet security, and protect yourself from the myriad of threats that can enter your life through a website browser.
Keep Your Browser Updated
There’s no such thing as 100% secure. Determined hackers always find a way. The good thing is that internet security experts also play in the same ballpark. When your browser needs to update, there’s a good chance that an update will patch security holes, put a stop to known exploits, and have an overall increase in security. Do not dawdle about updating your web browser.
No matter the browser or the platform, keep things updated and automate the process if possible. Old versions of browser software often have security issues and those who know those security issues will seek browsers they can still exploit.
Always Choose Securing Your Web Browser Websites
The HTTPS in a website address isn’t always a great indicator of security, but it’s always better than an old-fashioned HTTP address that doesn’t have any form of encryption on either end. Just about every browser lets you know if you’re on a secure site or not. Google even penalizes sites that don’t carry some sort of SSL certificate.
Sometimes, using an unencrypted website becomes an unavoidable hassle for whatever reason. When that happens, just make sure you show care with what information you share, what links you click, and what you download from that site.
However, when it comes to sending personal data, making payments, or moving around sensitive information, do not mess around. These things should only happen through highly secure websites and from highly secure browsers.
Leave Nothing in Your Browser
Browsers offer a lot of convenience by saving information you routinely use. This includes things like:
- Browser history
- Autofill information
- Cached pages and other saved information
- Saved passwords
- Cookies
Ideally, you want to turn most of this stuff off, or at least periodically clean it out of the browser. While these conveniences really do make life a little easier online, they’re also fully accessible to someone who might gain control of some aspect of your browser. That’s a ton of information and credentials just sitting there. A malicious cookie can grab a lot of that information as well.
Simply clearing out the cache and history can do away with most of these things. Don’t neglect clearing caches, history, and data out of your mobile browsers as well. Do it routinely or use software to schedule the process. Look around in your browser’s security settings to see what else you can do.
All the Same Old Rules Apply
Modern web browsers have their own ecosystems and, as stated, they operate very much like operating systems. You can add programs to the browser as plugins or add-ins. You can run scripts in your browser, work, play games, and run an entire business.
You need to secure your browser and practice safe internet practices just as you would with any other computing device. All the same, rules apply. You know them because you’ve heard them before:
- Use strong passwords and a password manager.
- Don’t share private information with others.
- Don’t leave information where someone can access it online or offline.
You should invest in good antivirus software that comes with browser security built in. Even better if that software also contains things like password management and other features that make not only your devices more secure but your browsers and overall internet security as well. The more secure your browsers, the more protected your computer systems are overall.
