Tech Tip(s) – Browser Security

Your Internet browser is one of your most-used applications, so it makes sense that you should make yours as secure as possible. Here are a few tips to help you do just that :

Use browsers that have built-in protection features such as Chrome, Firefox, Apple and Safari.

Utilise the security settings on your browser. Look under advanced settings, and select Privacy and Security e.g. restrict your device from visiting dangerous sites.

Use private / incognito browsing to avoid tracking.

Consider deactivating ‘ActiveX’. This add-on acts as a middleman between your PC and Java/Flash-based interactions in certain sites, thereby potentially creating security problems by giving malicious websites a window into your PC.

Consider disabling ‘JavaScript’. As well as making browsing quicker and simpler, this can stop cyber criminals from using JavaScript in malicious ways in order to infect your device.

Delete Cookies. Although they can be helpful for remembering accounts and passwords, they can also be targeted by cyber criminals because of the information they contain.

Beware of some browser extensions and add-ons. Even though they can add extra functionality, they can also pose a security risk as they can be exploited to inject malware.

As always (e.g. with cookie or javascript usage), it’s a case of weighing up benefits of functionality against potential risks and exploits. The more ‘stuff’ you have open/running … the more that can (potentially) go wrong.