Browsers are one of the keys to internet security. Actually, I suppose they're really more like the car than the key. After all, they're the vehicle we use to travel around the web. Occasionally an unwanted passenger jumps on board though, and could even carjack your browser - taking you somewhere you don't want to be.
The question is, what can you do to stop them?
There are a number of options, the first of which is the browser software you choose to use. Microsoft's Internet Explorer still has the lion's share of the market, but it's losing ground to other, more secure browsers such as Firefox.
Even when not inherently better, other browsers and operating systems are less popular targets. Until both legislators and software vendors get really serious about security, it's possible to reduce your 'target area' by staying out of the limelight.
Another important factor in improving browser security is to learn more about it.
There are a large number of options in both Internet Explorer and most other browsers that control what is and isn't allowed. Most users have little or no knowledge of how these setting affect them.
For instance, should you disable ActiveX controls or should you allow them to run but prompt you first? This is an example of something that will ultimately be up to you to decide. Disabling them is certainly more secure, but some websites may not work properly. And prompting you every time can get annoying fast if you regularly visit sites that use them.
It's an undesirable trade-off to be faced with, and one which we can hope someday won't be necessary. But in the interim, it isn't necessary to be a computer geek to experiment and read a bit to find out what these settings affect. The first time you're infected and lose a day recovering, you'll wish you'd spent the two hours finding out.
Proper use of your browser is another key component of security. Do you actually read those warning messages that come up once in a while or do you just click OK and move along? Unless you really know you can trust a website, it's always better to err on the side of caution.
Most internet users don't have any idea just how much information about them is shared when they visit a website. There are many things, such as your location, the browser you use and what operating system your computer is running that are sent to a website when you visit. This is just how the internet works, and it means you need to be careful that you're well protected.
Making the time to learn how to protect your computer will pay off in spades when you don't get hit with the next big virus or spyware problem.
The question is, what can you do to stop them?
There are a number of options, the first of which is the browser software you choose to use. Microsoft's Internet Explorer still has the lion's share of the market, but it's losing ground to other, more secure browsers such as Firefox.
Even when not inherently better, other browsers and operating systems are less popular targets. Until both legislators and software vendors get really serious about security, it's possible to reduce your 'target area' by staying out of the limelight.
Another important factor in improving browser security is to learn more about it.
There are a large number of options in both Internet Explorer and most other browsers that control what is and isn't allowed. Most users have little or no knowledge of how these setting affect them.
For instance, should you disable ActiveX controls or should you allow them to run but prompt you first? This is an example of something that will ultimately be up to you to decide. Disabling them is certainly more secure, but some websites may not work properly. And prompting you every time can get annoying fast if you regularly visit sites that use them.
It's an undesirable trade-off to be faced with, and one which we can hope someday won't be necessary. But in the interim, it isn't necessary to be a computer geek to experiment and read a bit to find out what these settings affect. The first time you're infected and lose a day recovering, you'll wish you'd spent the two hours finding out.
Proper use of your browser is another key component of security. Do you actually read those warning messages that come up once in a while or do you just click OK and move along? Unless you really know you can trust a website, it's always better to err on the side of caution.
Most internet users don't have any idea just how much information about them is shared when they visit a website. There are many things, such as your location, the browser you use and what operating system your computer is running that are sent to a website when you visit. This is just how the internet works, and it means you need to be careful that you're well protected.
Making the time to learn how to protect your computer will pay off in spades when you don't get hit with the next big virus or spyware problem.
About the Author:
To get more information how to protect yourself from online security threats, visit the Online Security Toolkit at http://www.onlinesecuritytoolkit.com, where you'll find helpful information about spam, spyware, viruses, identity theft and more.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment