How to Secure Your Web Browser
Web browsers are the most commonly used software application that allows you to access the World Wide Web. Today browsers such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari to name a few are available on almost every computer. If browsers are not configured on your system then your PC is prone to attacks from websites with malicious content, spyware, adware programs, viruses and worms. Therefore for security reasons it is important that computer users configure their browsers for secure surfing of websites.
There are a few reasons that contribute to the vulnerability of web browsers. Firstly there are many surfers neglecting to configure their browsers or they don't know how it is done. The average user clicks on website links without taking any measure to know if it is a trusted site. Most new computers have web browsers pre-installed in them along with a free software package which seems like a good deal to the user. Due to the freeware being already installed the security of the PC can be compromised. Active X Control, Plug-ins, Java Script etc are downloaded from websites to enhance the web browsing experience for the user. But they are simultaneously a threat to the security of the system in case the browser has not been configured.
In order to protect your PC from various malicious attacks it is best to have an up-to-date antivirus software that has automatic updates of virus definitions. Use discretion while in chat rooms, instant messaging and during peer-to-peer file sharing. Avoid file sharing on networks that are directly exposed to the internet. Firewall is another safety measure that is useful during surfing the net.
There are few security tools that can be accessed in Firefox and Internet Explorer. The pop-up blocker apart from blocking unwanted ads also prevents malicious software from being downloaded to your PC. Phishing filters help secure your personal data from being stolen online.
By securing your web browser you can prevent intruders from indulging in identity and password theft, spying on your browsing patterns and from malware that can destroy your operating system.
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