Browsers are now the primary target of hackers and cybercriminals because of the extensive data they carry, so they must be well-protected to guarantee safe browsing. Most of the requirements to secure your web browser come down to how to use the browser and the elements contained in the browser.
So even if you are using the Most secure browsers of 2023, if you don’t harden your browser, there’s a high tendency that you won’t get safe browsing out of the browser. Brace yourself up, as we will discuss browser hardening and the different methods you can use to guarantee safe browsing.
What is Browser Hardening?
Browser hardening is a method of tweaking the settings and components of your browser to ensure that it is not susceptible to cyber attacks. The first thing about browser hardening comes down to changing your default settings to ensure that your security and privacy are heightened.
Once you change some of your default settings, you can add some proponents that will help prevent any breaches. Elements such as anti-malware software and browser security platforms like LayerX will help beef up your security in any browser.
By now, you should know it’s very important to increase your web browser’s security because of how rampant cyber attacks are. A successful cyber attack can compromise data, lose finances, and even take down any business operating inside the browser.
1. Update Your Browser
It doesn’t matter if you are using the most secure browser in the world; if it is not updated, there are huge chances that cyber threats will overrun it. One of the first steps you should take if you are trying to harden your browser is to update it for safe browsing. The reason behind this recommendation is relatively straightforward. When the developers update a browser, every cyber security flaw that would have allowed a threat to be successful is patched up.
However, when you leave your browser outdated, cyber attackers look for security loopholes and exploit them to attack your browser successfully. Keep up with your browser provider to know when they have released an update, and install the updates immediately. If you are using a browser-agnostic platform like LayerX, be rest assured you will be notified whenever you need an update on your browser.
2. Don’t Save Passwords on Browsers
One of the mistakes people make while using their browsers is saving their passwords and other useful information like credit card details inside their web browsers. This is a hazardous step to take while using your browser, as a successful attack can grant cyber criminals access to all your passwords and important data saved inside the browser. Go to your settings in your web browser and turn off the option that allows you to save passwords if you want to maintain your security in the browser.
3. Block Pop Ups
Have you ever been browsing, then an advertisement or something similar to that suddenly pops out of the screen? Sometimes, your hands might mistakenly touch these pop-ups, leading you to websites you do not know. Cyber attackers are now using pop-ups to redirect their victims to a site where they can exploit them and compromise their security.
Many browsers, including the traditional ones, provide settings where you can disable these pop-ups from coming into your browser. However, if your browser doesn’t have these settings, you can install ad blockers for this purpose.
4. Use Only Important Plugins and Disable Unnecessary Ones
Browser plugins are a crucial aspect of a web browser, as they provide some important features which were not initially available in your browser. However, plugins can be the weak link that cybercriminals can utilize to access sensitive information on your browser. Many plugins/extensions are built with HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and other web technologies, and cybercriminals can infiltrate them.
With that in mind, only install plugins that are very much needed on your web browser, and ensure they come from official and trusted sources. Don’t install any plugins from third parties on your browser, as they can contain malicious codes that will cause wreckage to your browser.
5. Use an Anti-malware Software and VPN
One of the first things you should ensure is available in your browser before using it is anti-malware software and a VPN. Anti-malware software helps to detect when malware or virus has been injected into your browser, and it immediately takes preventive measures to stop it from spreading across the browser.
On the other hand, a Virtual Private Network technology allows internet users to use a public network to connect to a secure private network to prevent cyber attackers from tracing their web activity. Using a Virtual Private Network technology while browsing the internet makes your browser much more secure and creates a more quality experience.
6. Use HTTPS-Only Website
On many browser settings, you get an option where you can choose to only go to browsers that offer HTTPS security. An HTTPS website uses encryption technology to prevent hackers from accessing any information (passwords, tax information, credit/debit card details) that passes through clients and servers.
Wrapping Up
Browser hardening is a very important process everyone should take to ensure their data and resources are adequately secured in their web browser. Some actions, when implemented, can help you harden your browser and prevent any cyber attack from being successful. Some methods you can deploy to heighten your browser’s security are not storing passwords on the browser, using anti-malware/VPN, updating the browser, and many more.
