Are you using a secure web browser? Some web browsers are more secure than others. Failure to use the right web browser can place you at risk for man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, malware infections and more. For a better understanding of web browser security, keep reading.
How Web Browsers Are Breached
Browser-related threats often involve a compromised plugin. Most web browsers support third-party plugins. A plugin is simply a software product that introduces new, non-native features. Even if your web browser doesn’t have a specific feature, you may be able to add that feature by installing a plugin. But third-party plugins can become compromised. Using a hacked or otherwise compromised third-party plugin can leave your web browser vulnerable to cyber threats.
The communications between your web browser and the websites that you visit could be intercepted. Cyber threats involve intercepted communications such as this are known as MITM attacks. Depending on the protocol used for these communications, a hacker may be able to steal the data that your web browser exchanges with websites.
Choose the Right Web Browser
For better protection against cyber threats, you should choose the right web browser. Chrome is not only the most popular web browser, according to W3Schools; it’s arguably the most secure web browser. It’s regularly updated to ensure a high level of protection against cyber threats.
Internet Explorer, on the other hand, offers less protection against cyber threats. In 2022, Microsoft ended support for Internet Explorer 11 on certain versions of its Windows operating system (OS). Microsoft, of course, has a new web browser: Microsoft Edge. Rather than Internet Explorer, you should consider using either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
Install New Updates
Whether you use Chrome, Microsoft Edge or any other web browser, you should install new updates as soon as they are released. Using an outdated web browser will only increase the risk of cyber threats. Web browsers may contain vulnerabilities. When developers discover vulnerabilities, they will patch the web browser by releasing an update. But you’ll need to download and install these updates to eliminate the vulnerabilities with your web browser.
If you use Chrome, you may notice a colored icon in the top corner when a new update is available. Chrome uses green, orange and red icons to denote when updates were released. A green icon means the update was released less than two days ago. An orange icon means the update was released about four days ago. A red icon means the update was released at least a week ago.