From social media to email, searching online is a part of our daily lives, whether we’re shopping. Every click however exposes personal data and credentials that could be stolen by cyber criminals. If you use browser like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, taking extra efforts to safeguard your information is more useful now than ever.
I have 5 key tips to help you improve the security while browsing;
1. Do not Save Passwords or Auto Fill
Next time you want to log in, browsers often offer to save them and make it easier. It’s convenient, but carries serious risk. If anyone else gets access to your device, they can get at all the passwords you have saved and start using them to access your accounts.
To disable in Chrome:
Go to Settings > Autofill and passwords. Click Google Password Manager and turn off Ask if I want to save passwords.
For Edge:
Navigate to Settings > Profile > Passwords and turn off save your passwords and autofill passwords.
2. Turn Off Tracking
A part of the tracked browsing data of yours is used to create personalized ads to serve you. But it also means data theft or breaches is a potential. The risk is reduced by using the Do Not Track feature.
In Chrome:
Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and turn on Send a “Do Not Track” Send a “Do Not Track” request in Advanced settings.
In Edge:
Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.. Click on Send Do Not Track requests, located on the Scroll to Privacy section.
3. Block Pop-Ups
More than just annoying, sometimes pop ups can carry malware that will steal your personal data. These will block you, and you’ll be safer.
In Chrome:
Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects. Select Do not allow sites to send pop-ups.
For Edge:
Go to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Pop-ups and redirects.. Select Block (recommended).
4. Enable Enhanced Protection
Even with always updating your browser, using strong passwords helps, but enabling enhanced protection adds extra security. It will also alert you to potentially dangerous websites and phishing attempts.
In Chrome:
Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Security. Then go to Safe browsing and click on Select Enhanced protection.
5. Always use Secure Connections (HTTPS)
HTTPS encrypts your data, making it more secure from hackers, and they help websites keep you safe from hackers. If you activate this feature you can be assured that you are only visiting secure websites.
In Chrome:
Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Security. Set Always use secure connections to Enable.
In Edge:
Type edge://flagsinto the browser’s address bar. Then type automatic-https inside the search bar and change it to Enable.
Some simple browser settings can make your online security so much better. If you always follow these steps and keep safe while browsing you’re fine.