6 easy ways to protect your browser from threats

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Follow these tips so you don't have to worry about the security of your data.

1. Set up your browser

An important tip that many people ignore. Usually all the necessary settings are enabled by default, but you should at least familiarize yourself with them.

You can deny access to unwanted items such as a camera or microphone, disable geolocation tracking. This is not a panacea, but at least this way you can make sure that the browser is not turned against you.

2. Update your browser regularly

Before the developers had time to patch another hole in the browser's security, a new one appears, which is why it is so important that the latest version is installed.

Many modern browsers have an automatic update service. If you disabled it for any reason, remember to check for updates manually on a regular basis. Let's show you how to do this in different browsers.

Firefox

Launch your browser. Find the item "Settings" → "General" → "Firefox Update" → "Automatically install updates".

To check for updates, launch your browser and select About Firefox.

Chrome

Launch your browser. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner. Choose Help menu → About Google Chrome.

Opera

Launch your browser. Click on the Opera icon in the upper left corner. Select the "About" item.

Yandex browser

Launch your browser. Click on the three parallel stripes in the upper right corner. Find the item "Advanced" → "About the browser".

3. Be careful when installing extensions

Most extensions are harmless, and many are generally irreplaceable in their work. But stay vigilant, especially when it comes to accessing your data. Before installation, the browser will show you what information and functions the extension wants to access. Be sure to read the list.

For example, having gained access to your data on all websites, the extension can block ads or, conversely, add extra banners.

Pop-up ads are the most harmless thing you can encounter. It is much worse if attackers can gain access to your data and passwords.

There is no reliable protection in this case, so you have to be responsible and monitor what you install. A few tips:

• Install extensions only from the official store.
• Pay attention to the number of people who installed the extension and the reviews.
• Try to install extensions from official developers.
• If an already installed extension is requesting access to new data, think about it. It may have been sold or hacked.

4. Use anti-phishing extensions

Phishing sites are the scourge of the modern Internet user. AdGuard says that 15 million websites account for 1.5 million phishing sites. And these are just the pages that the developers have checked.

As with extensions, be vigilant and careful. Do not follow links to sites that require you to enter personal information, do not fall for the provocations of scammers.

For peace of mind, use an anti-phishing browser extension like AdGuard. It will not only block pop-up ads, but also protect against data leaks.

To activate the extension for Yandex Browser, go to the Add-ons section. Then scroll down to the "Ad Blocking" item, find AdGuard and flip the switch to "On".

5. Be careful with auto-complete forms and passwords

The function is very convenient, but it also has its drawbacks. For example, your work computer can be accessed by colleagues and your laptop can be stolen. Let's not forget about the dangers posed by phishing sites. In the latter case, it will not be difficult for thieves to take possession of accounts, bank data and other information. If you want to play it safe, just turn off autocomplete and delete all saved passwords.

Firefox

• Go to "Settings" → "Privacy and Security".
• Uncheck the box “Remember logins and passwords for websites”.
• In the History tab, select Firefox will use your history storage settings.
• Uncheck the box next to "Remember search history and form data."

Chrome

Go to "Settings" → "Advanced"

• Scroll down to the Passwords and Forms section.
• Disable the option "Autocomplete forms" and "Autocomplete passwords".

Yandex browser

• Go to "Settings".
• Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Show Advanced Settings.
• In the "Passwords and Forms" section, uncheck the boxes next to "Enable Form AutoFill with One Click" and "Prompt to save passwords for sites."

Opera

• Go to "Settings" → "Security".
• Uncheck the boxes next to "Enable autocomplete forms on pages" and "Prompt to save entered passwords."

Safari

• Go to "Settings" → "Autocomplete".
• Uncheck the boxes next to Usernames and Passwords, Credit Cards, Other Forms.

6. Anti-mining

The popularity of cryptocurrencies could not be ignored by scammers. To successfully mine bitcoins, you need to invest well, but freebie lovers have come up with another method and mine crypto money using other people's computers.

To do this, it is enough to inject the code into the website, as the owners of The Pirate Bay did. Fortunately, you can protect yourself from such actions. Just install an extension for your browser like No Coin.

In the latest update for Opera, the developers have added built-in protection against mining, including for Android. Let's hope the rest of the companies follow suit.