Choose a Secure Web Browser
The vast majority of web surfers can be found on Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge. But that doesn’t mean you’re limited to these choices. There are heaps of secure browser alternatives, including Iridium browser, GNU IceCat browser, Tor browser, and more. But no matter which browser you use, remember that there’s no such thing as a 100% secure web browser on its own. Luckily, you can increase security on any browser by locking down the settings and using a VPN (more on that below).
Lock Down Your Browser’s Privacy Settings
Have you checked your browser’s settings lately? Configuring your privacy settings is one of the most important things you can do to secure your web browser. By default, many browser settings leave your data exposed. At a minimum, you should:
Disable pop-ups and redirections. In addition to being annoying, bad actors can use pop-ups and redirects to spread malicious software. Don’t allow automatic downloads. Automatic downloads can contain malware and viruses. Ask to be prompted before downloading anything. Keep cookies in check. Delete cookies after browsing and turn off third-party access to cookies. Restrict access to your location, camera, and microphone. Set your browser to ask permission before accessing these features. Deactivate ActiveX. Active X is considered outdated and poses security risks. Consider deactivating Flash and Javascript as well. Turn on “Send a Do Not Track request. " It will help prevent websites from tracking you, but it’s not guaranteed.
Here’s where to find your privacy settings on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari:
Chrome privacy settings: Click the “more” ellipsis (three vertical dots) in the browser’s top right corner. Click Settings, then scroll down the page and click Advanced to access your privacy settings. Firefox privacy settings. Click the hamburger menu (looks like three vertical lines) in the browser’s top right corner. Select Preferences, then click Privacy & Security. Microsoft Edge: Click the three dots (ellipses) in the upper left-hand corner of the browser. Go to Privacy and Security. Safari Privacy Settings: Go to Safari > Preferences in the top corner of the browser. Click the Privacy tab to view and update your privacy settings.
Take the time to get familiar with your browser’s specific privacy settings and research additional security tips for your browser type online. You will likely discover many loopholes you didn’t know existed.
Keep Your Web Browser Up-to-Date
Even the most secure web browser can’t protect you from the latest threats if it’s out-of-date. Every browser is a little different when it comes to software updates. Here’s how updates work in Chrome, Firefox, IE, and Safari:
Google Chrome: Any new updates will automatically trigger whenever you close the browser. To check if Chrome is up-to-date, go to Chrome > About Google Chrome in the browser’s top-left corner. Firefox: Firefox lets you turn on or off automatic updates under Firefox > Preferences. To check your Firefox version, go to Firefox > About Firefox in the browser’s top-left corner. Microsoft Edge: Edge updates distribute through Automatic Updates. To check your version, open Edge, click the ellipses (3 dots) in the upper right-hand corner, then select About Edge. Apple Safari: To check your Safari version, click Safari > About Safari in the browser’s top-left corner. You can also configure Safari extensions to update automatically.
Browse In Private or Incognito Mode
While browsing in private mode won’t give you complete privacy—your IP address and activities can still be tracked—it prevents your web history, browser cache, form data, and cookies from being stored after you quit the browser.
Google Chrome calls private browsing Incognito Mode. But you can access private browsing on Firefox and Apple’s Safari browser, too. In Microsoft Internet Explorer, it’s called InPrivate tabs but works essentially the same as all the other services.
Use Browser Security Extensions
Most browsers give you the option of installing additional security extensions to bolster your browser security and privacy. When using any extension, make sure the browser you’re using endorses it. Enable automatic updates, so the extension is always up-to-date.
Here are some of the best privacy extensions to get you started:
HTTPS Everywhere: HTTPS Everywhere works with Firefox, Chrome, and Opera. It works by encrypting your data with many major websites. (By the way, never buy anything from a website that doesn’t use HTTPS!). Adblock Plus: AdBlock Plus is an open-source extension for Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Edge, Opera, Maxthon, and the Yandex Browser to stop ads from cluttering up your pages and videos. Click & Clean: Click & Clean works on Chrome and Firefox that erases your private data, including your browsing history, cache, cookies, passwords, form data, local storage, and more. Disconnect: Disconnect works by blocking hundreds of invisible tracker requests inside your browser and apps, increasing page load times. It’s available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Opera. Privacy Badger: Similar to Disconnect, Privacy Badger, works to block invisible website trackers automatically. It’s compatible with Firefox, Opera, and Android. Blur: Blur is an excellent privacy tool that works by masking your personal information online, including your email address, phone number, credit card numbers, and more. Blur installs into your browser and works with Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, and Safari.
You can get Chrome extensions from the Chrome Web Store, Firefox extensions from the Firefox Add-ons site, and Internet Explorer extensions from their Internet Explorer Gallery website. You can also Google the web browser name plus the word “extensions” to locate extensions quickly.
Use a VPN When You Browse the Web
Even the most secure browser with the most advanced settings can’t keep your browsing activities truly safe or private from your ISP, employer, or school. That’s why you should consider getting a VPN. A VPN is hands down the best way to secure your web browser.
A VPN service protects your web privacy and security in three critical ways:
Disguises your IP address and location: VPNs spoof your IP address and location, so you can’t be tracked by your ISP (internet service provider), search engines, and websites. Encapsulates your web traffic: With a VPN, all your data packets are hidden inside additional packets, so your data moves in a private “tunnel” over unsecured networks. Encrypts your web traffic: VPN services scramble your data with military-grade encryption, so your data is virtually impossible to hack by outside forces. It’s vital when browsing over public Wi-Fi.
Exercise Common Sense When Browsing
And last but not least, exercise common sense when browsing the web. Even with the most secure browser and VPN, malicious websites can trick you into clicking on malicious links or downloading malware. Be wary of shortened links (e.g., bit.ly), which can hide malicious links, and avoid non-HTTPS sites whenever possible. And lastly, never permit downloads or install software unless it’s from a trusted site.
