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Hi All,
In our last newsletter, we focused on password managers, why they are important, and ways to better protect yourself using them. If you haven't had a chance to read that one, I highly recommend it, some great information in it.
In this edition, we're going to focus on browser security and ways you can better protect yourself while surfing the web. We'll also look at why you need to use add-ons/browser extensions.
Enjoy!
- Mike Bowden
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Browser Security
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Browsers are something we all use daily, and most of us don't think much about them. Your browser is usually the #1 entry point for most viruses, malware, or adware. Using the right browser, as well as the correct settings, are very important.
Browser Type
Let's start with the type of browser you use. The king of browsers is Chrome. Most of us have been pushed to move to Chrome at some point in time and probably still use it today. Chrome is presumably the single most secure browser, and Google does a great job maintaining its security. Though the vast majority of users utilize Chrome, some might still have Internet Explorer or Edge set as their primary browser. Be sure to check your settings for your default browser and set it to your daily driver. Malware and viruses can make use of this, especially if your default browser isn't up-to-date.
Microsoft has done an excellent job over the years, increasing the security of Edge and the Windows OS. Edge is becoming a great contender in the browser marketplace - don't dismiss it yet. Additional browsers to consider are FireFox, Safari, and Opera. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. At this point, if you're running the most recent releases, the choice comes down to personal preference.
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Ways to Protect our Browser
Now that you've selected your browser and made sure it's set to our default, let us take a look at other ways we can protect ourselves. Browser plugins, also known as add-ons or extensions, can also be used to protect us. Two types are useful - ad blockers and known virus/malware website blockers. There are a few that can combine the two. I won't give any recommendations for which to use, reviews and ratings can speak for themselves in this case. Try searching for "INSERT BROWSER NAME extensions".
The goal is to have something installed that can be updated regularly and automatically, with realtime protection. These plugins will work in the background to block access to websites that are infected with viruses or are actively trying to infect others. Viruses and malware today do not need permission to install if they are using a known security flaws in your OS. Just by visiting the website, they can and will infect your computer!
Regularly keeping your computer up-to-date, including your browser, gives you the best opportunity to protect your electronic devices from infections.
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Tech Tip
Keep your browser updated, or allow automatic updates and keep a plugin installed that will block known threats. Remember these two things to protect yourself online, and you'll cut a vast majority of ways your computer can get infected from being online.
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