5 Simple Steps to Secure your Web Browser

Did you ever realize that along with securing your devices and network systems, it is critical you also secure your web browser? Your browser is as much a security threat as corrupt software or malicious downloads. After all, this is how you access the internet. To access PCs and laptops, hackers have found a new route through web browsers and are actively targeting its weakness. To stay ahead of these cybercriminals and keep your browser secure, here are few tips you can follow :

1. Keep your browser updated

Update your browser regularly and ensure it is set to automatically update when new versions are released. Only use modern, secure and trusted applications such as Google Chrome and Firefox to browse the internet. In the month of August, the Mutabaha Trojan started affecting Chrome browsers and the Trojan is downloaded on victims’ computers by a previously installed dropper.

2. Enable Click-to-play plugins

Make sure you have the click-to-play plugins option enabled in your web browser. As it will reduce page load time, CPU and battery usage, and will enhance the security of your browser. Enabling this feature will prevent hackers from accessing and taking advantage of any plugin that is running the in the background, without your notice.

3. Delete plugins you do not use

Keep verifying the list of plugins you have installed on your browser and keep deleting all the plugins that you do not, or rarely use. A perfect example is the Java Plugin - which very few contemporary websites need to function. Uninstalling this remove access to hackers and will enhance security feature on your browser. In worst cases when you need Java Plugin, you will encounter a website you can’t view without it and you will be prompted to reinstall it again. You can reinstall these plugins whenever you need them. Ensure all the plugins are of the latest version and are set to automatically update. Also keep manually updating them on regular basis.

4. Install anti-malware program

Anti-malware programs protect your browser against some of the common forms of attack, like Zero-Day. Consult a professional or your IT provider for suggestions about which anti-malware suits your needs the best.

5. Be careful about the sites you visit

Needless to say, you must be very careful about the sites you visit and about the files you download. Ensure the website is trusted and secure before downloading music files, documents and videos or movies from those sites. Do not fall victim to drive-by download hacks. Even if you knowingly or unknowingly land on a malicious website your device could get infected by malware.