Browser Security
Why Secure My Browser?
Securing your web browser (i.e. Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari) can prevent a variety of problems from occurring such as the installation of spyware without you knowing it or intruders taking control of your computer.
The number of threats is increasing from software attacks. The problem is worsening by several factors such as:
- Users do not know how to configure their web browsers securely.
- Users click on links without considering the risks of their actions.
- Web addresses can be disguised or take you to an unexpected site.
- Websites require that users enable certain features or install more software, putting the computer at additional risk.
- Vendors configure web browsers for increased functionality at the cost of decreased security.
- Vendors discover new security vulnerabilities after the software is configured and packaged.
- Vendors bundle computer systems and software packages with additional software, which increases the number of vulnerabilities.
- Third-party software does not have a mechanism for receiving security updates.
As a result, exploiting vulnerabilities in web browsers has become a popular way for attackers to compromise computer systems.
How to Secure Your Web Browser
Software features that provide functionality to a web browser, such as ActiveX, Java, Scripting (JavaScript, VBScript, etc.), may also introduce vulnerabilities to the computer system.
Depending on the web browser, you may disable the use of these technologies, while others may allow you to enable features on a per-site basis.
Visit the browser home page for more information on their security and privacy settings.
Features you should consider using:
- Automatically install browser updates.
- Ask when a site wants to run a plugin.
- Warn me when sites try to install add-ons.
- Do not remember my history.
- Do not accept third-party cookies.
- Block reported attack sites.
- Do not remember passwords.
- Do not autofill web forms.
- Do not allow sites to show pop-ups.
- Do not run JavaScript.
- Clear history when the browser closes.
