Browser security is never foremost in a business owner’s thoughts. With security threats evolving and more people working from home, browser security has never been so important.
Web browsers facilitate easy entry for phishing, ransomware attacks and malicious downloads. Even mobile browsers can be vulnerable as evidenced by the recent mobile address bar spoofing attacks highlighted by The Hacker News.
Data privacy and aggressive advertising can decrease productivity and compromise IT security and it is of paramount importance that measures be taken to secure browsers and ensure devices are protected when being used at home.
A Web Browsers Comparison
The leader for privacy and security?
Most people agree that Chrome and Edge are the market leaders when it comes to browser security. Firefox is probably the main contender to the aforementioned Chromium-based options. While compelling in terms of safety, Mozilla’s browser lacks the necessary integration with Google and Microsoft products that are prominent tools among remote workers.
Google Chrome
Ease of use, dependability, and versatility ensure Chrome remains one of the most popular browsers in the world.
Google Chrome provides a vast array of add-on’s that improve workflow and provide maximum security. For example, its AdBlock Plus extension eradicates nuisance banners and pop-ups. Also, HTTPS Everywhere provides data encryption and Disconnect stops sites from tracking you.
Chrome can be installed on almost all devices and syncs across platforms, including bookmarks, history, settings, and more. When it comes to negatives, everyone who uses Chrome knows that it is RAM hungry. However, it also pales in comparison to other browsers when it comes to privacy settings.
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is hard to beat as it includes many of the benefits of Chrome with fewer drawbacks.
Internet explorer’s replacement is designed well, it has a lower power drain and market-leading privacy options. Microsoft has gone the extra mile and improved browser security with additional settings and features.
Edge can be popped onto all operating systems apart from Linux, which is earmarked for change soon. However, it does have one negative as its current syncing capabilities are fairly limited.
Always Update Browsers Immediately
Cybercriminals and developers are locked in a war. Criminals are continually probing the cracks in web browsers and developers are always patching them over. Therefore, it is wise to update your web browser as soon as an update becomes available. This ensures you are always protected with the latest security.
Make Use of Ad Blockers
Pop-ups are incredibly annoying they should have been outlawed years ago. Not only do they get in the way they often contain malware. Most modern browsers are equipped with filters that block pop-ups but using an ad-blocker extension provides superior filtering.
Turn On ‘Do Not Track’
A common feature of modern browsers which is often underutilised is the ability to transmit a ‘do not track’ request that communicates to websites that you do not want your personal data to be collected.
Use a VPN
A VPN (virtual proxy network) encrypts your internet connection by routing it through an alternative server. This stops people from tracking your activities and affords some protection from prying eyes.
Secure Your Password
People often fail to understand that the simplest solution is often the best one. You should never reuse your password or use a generic one that is easy to guess. If you use a unique password and there is indeed a breach of your account, then it is likely to remain isolated to that single account.
WFH & Browser Security
All businesses need to implement a comprehensive WFH policy for their remote workers. It should include:
- Company IT asset usage rules
- Clear and defined data storage and disposal practices
- Adequate and uniform antivirus protection
- Video conferencing and communication guidelines
Threats are continually evolving and therefore businesses are seeking help from consultants to help combat them. Managed IT services have a specialised remote team who can make transitioning from the office to a WFH setting seamless and can help to ensure your business remains protected at all times.
London based IT support
Protection from cybercriminals should not be taken lightly. It is not something a company should do itself. The majority of companies need dedicated IT support—a team of specialists that provide support 24/7. They have refined their skillset over many years and have developed novel solutions such as monitoring, detecting, eradicating, and reporting incidents.
A competent IT support service can implement a security strategy from start to finish which includes recommending software and hardware to best position the company for the mobilisation of its WFH employees. More often than not they can help with compliance issues also.
A business is a complicated machine and IT issues can really throw a spanner in the works. Having an external team of experts handle it will leave you and your team to focus on other important areas of the business.
Computers in the City, your IT partner
Computers in the City is London’s longest-standing IT partner. With over 20 years’ experience, we can assist you to meet your IT support, consulting and cloud computing needs. We’re proud to be local, offering 24-hour support in straightforward language that takes the stress out of IT support.