More than 5.5 billion people access the internet every day using connected devices like PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and more. Browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge make up the bulk of the web browser market share, but all browsers act as a simple gateway to the online world for users. Browsers make internet access extremely easy and reliable. However, if left unprotected, your browser can be used against you, making you an easy target for identity theft, phishing, and data tracking. Thankfully, by configuring your browser security settings, you can reduce your chances of falling victim to a cyber attack and keep your digital life secure. This article will take you through the step-by-step settings needed to create an environment for secure online browsing and optimize browser safety.
Why Browser Security Matters
Your web browser is more than just a piece of software used to visit websites. It acts as the entry point for your online life, accessing and often storing sensitive personal information like passwords, keystrokes, or geolocation. So if you ask, “Why browser security matters?” The answer is simple. This is the type of data that is extremely valuable to hackers on the dark web or online scammers. Taking the time to enable the right browser security settings can minimize these risks, block malicious activities, and help maintain browser safety.
Essential Browser Security Settings to Enable
The following lsit of essential browser security settings to enable can be done relatively easily, making these "must-do" tactics for staying cybersafe online.
Allow Pop-Up Blockers
Pop-ups are not only annoying but can sometimes be used as key entries for malware or advanced phishing attacks. There are lots of websites that use deceptive pop-ups to trick you into downloading harmful content or entering personal information. By enabling this setting, you'll drastically decrease your chances of falling victim to a suspicious pop-up. Follow these steps to enable pop-up blockers on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge:
- Google Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Pop-ups and redirects, and block them.
- Firefox: Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Permissions > Block pop-up windows.
- Edge: Head to Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions > Pop-ups and redirects, and set to block.
Turn On Enhanced Tracking Protection
Lots of websites use data trackers to monitor your activities online and collect information for targeted ads. While certain tracking tactics are harmless, others can greatly compromise your privacy and security. Turning on enhanced tracking protection will provide you with more protection, ensuring secure online browsing without compromising speed. Here’s how to do it for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge:
- Google Chrome: Use "Enhanced Protection" by navigating to Settings > Privacy and Security > Security.
- Firefox: Turn on Enhanced Tracking Protection by going to Settings > Privacy & Security and selecting "Strict" mode.
- Microsoft Edge: Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services, and select "Strict" tracking prevention.
Turn Off Third-Party Cookies
Third-party cookies allow advertisers and websites to track your activities across multiple sites during each session. Now, cookies can sometimes be helpful for your overall user experience. However, third-party cookies often infringe on privacy. This step helps eliminate excessive tracking and improves browser security. Follow these instructions on turning them off for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge:
- Google Chrome: Head to Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data > Block third-party cookies.
- Firefox: Navigate to Privacy & Security and enable "Strict" under Enhanced Tracking Protection.
- Edge: Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Block third-party cookies.
HTTPS-Only Mode
HTTPS stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure and it simply ensures that your connection to a website is encrypted. By encrypting your connection, your data becomes much harder to see and intercept by hackers. Using HTTPS-Only Mode will force every site you connect to, to use this protocol and increase your privacy/security. Here’s how to do it for Firefox, Edge, and Chrome.
- Firefox: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Enable "HTTPS-Only Mode in all windows."
- Edge and Chrome: Use browser extensions like "HTTPS Everywhere" to force HTTPS connections.
Utilize Safe Browsing and/or Phishing Protection
Phishing is one of the oldest and long-running tactics used by cyber criminals. Phishing attacks can come in all shapes and sizes, but many include the creation of fake websites designed to look legitimate. These sites will often steal login credentials or personal data like your social security number, home address, and more. Safe browsing settings can help your browser detect and warn you about such sites when you come across them.
- Google Chrome: Enable "Safe Browsing" under Settings > Privacy and Security > Security.
- Firefox: Safe Browsing is built-in and enabled by default, but confirm it in Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Edge: Under Settings > Privacy, search, and services, enable Microsoft Defender SmartScreen.
Manually Clear Your Data
Unless directed otherwise, web browsers will store your cookies, cached files, and browsing history. These will pile up over time an leave you with a massive digital footprint that could be exploited. Automating this process is by far the easiest way to maintain browser safety. If not done automatically, be sure to schedule regular clearing of your browsing data by going to the following in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.
- Firefox: Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data.
- Edge: Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data.
Get A Password Manager and Don’t Autofill
The autofill settings for passwords and payment information are very convenient features available in most browsers. However, they pose a great security risk as if your browser is hacked, all of that information could be seen and/or taken. Instead, use a trusted password manager to store your credentials securely. Here’s how to disable the autofill feature on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge:
- Chrome: Settings > Autofill and Passwords > Turn off options.
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Logins and Passwords > Uncheck Autofill logins.
- Edge: Settings > Profiles > Passwords > Turn off autofill options.
Additional Tips for Secure Online Browsing and Browser Safety
- Always Update Your Browser: Browser updates will often include key security patches or fixes that protect it against a host of newly discovered vulnerabilities. Be sure to enable auto-updates so your browser can be up-to-date with the latest fixes needed.
- Utilize A Security Extension: Security extensions like Online Security for Chrome and Edge are great tools that can keep your browser protected from next-generation cyber threats.
- Get A VPN: A Virtual Private Network like RAV VPN will encrypt your overall connection, making it extremely hard for hackers to steal your data while you are surfing the web.
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Browser Security Settings
Your browser is likely one of the most used tools or apps in your life. By configuring the right browser security settings, you can ensure a secure online browsing experience. Take the time to enable pop-up blockers, disabling third-party cookies, and turn on enhanced protection features. This will allow you to create peace-of-mind with a safer and more private browsing experience. At ReasonLabs, we prioritize empowering users with knowledge and tools for better browser safety and digital protection. Take control of your settings today and stay safe online!
