What started as a hacking attack on Google began to have significant repercussions across the world last week, as French, German and Australian authorities recommended PC users avoid Internet Explorer until a critical security flaw was fixed.
Although a patch has now been issued, these security alerts are less clear about exactly what you should use instead, though, which might leave you with a question: which is the most secure browser? The answer, unfortunately, is none of them. Every browser has its share of security problems, and the worst offenders aren’t always who you might think.
A Cenzic report on browser vulnerabilities last year, for instance, found Firefox responsible for 44 per cent, Safari 35 per cent, while IE trailed with only 15 per cent.
No browser can guarantee your security, then, but there are steps you can take to significantly cut your online risks. Here’s what you need to know.
Upgrade your browser
The older your browser, the more security holes it’s likely to have. If you’re not using IE8 (or the latest version of your browser of choice), then upgrade right now for a little extra protection.
Your browsing safety will be compromised if you’re still using Windows XP, though, as it won’t support all the new security technologies Microsoft have introduced in recent years. If you’re thinking about moving to Windows 7, then now would be a great time to do it: you’ll be much safer online.
Check your browser settings
Take the time to explore your browser’s Preferences dialog, and make sure that it’s using the tightest acceptable security settings.
In IE, for example, click Tools > Internet Options > Security, and check the “Enable Protected Mode” option if you see it.
CHECK SETTINGS: Tightening up IE’s security settings will block some malware
Adjust the slider to set the Internet zone security level to high, too. This can be very restrictive, but if you find it blocks a favourite site from working, then return to this dialog box, click Trusted Sites > Sites > Add, and it should return to normal.
Add antivirus layers
It’s essential to have a regularly-updated antivirus tool. The new Avast Free Antivirus, say, monitors downloads, email attachments, instant messaging traffic, network connections and more to keep your PC safe.
DOWNLOAD THREATFIRE: Adding a behavioural antivirus tool like ThreatFire will ensure you detect and block more online dangers
An extra layer of protection can help, too. ThreatFire monitors your PC for malicious behaviour. It can run alongside most antivirus tools, and may detect malware that they miss.
Extend your browser
Browser plugins and extensions can make a real difference to your security.
For example, McAfee SiteAdvisor rates sites for spyware, spam and scams, displaying warning icons in your search engine links so it’s easy to avoid most dangers.
BLOCK CONTENT: NoScript protects you from harm by blocking potentially dangerous content on all untrusted sites
And Firefox can be made significantly safer by having the free NoScript block scripts and other active content, and using Adblock Plus to block annoying ads.
PDF protection
Some add-ons introduce new vulnerabilities, though. Malicious PDFs are regularly used to infect PCs via flaws in Adobe Reader, yet you can protect yourself from many of these with a simple tweak: click Edit > Preferences > JavaScript, and clear the Enable Acrobat JavaScript box.
ACROBAT FIX: Most PDF files have no need to use JavaScript. Turn it off for an instant security boost
You may break some more advanced PDF files – animated slideshows, for instance – but most will work just as before, and you’ll have blocked most PDF-related malware.
Standard user
Create a standard user account, rather than an administrator (in Vista, click Control Panel > User Accounts > Add or remove user accounts > Create a new account). Log in using this, if only for browsing, and Windows won’t let you install programs or change system settings. You can bypass this by entering an administrator user name and password, but most malware will be unable to infect your PC.
Limit your rights
If a standard user account proves too inconvenient, and you’re running XP, then a small Microsoft tool called DropMyRights might help. Use it to create a shortcut to run your browser, say, and DropMyRights will launch the program without any administrative rights. Again, it’ll be harder for malware to infect you, but other programs will work as normal with no security hassles.
Update everything
It’s vital that Windows is set up to install security patches just as soon they arrive, of course via Windows Update.
The operating system is just the start, though. What about your installed applications, utilities, plug-ins, components like Java? Any unpatched program could be vulnerable to an exploit.
PATCH YOUR APPS: Secunia PSI detected an alarming number of unpatched programs on our test PC
Make sure that any programs capable of going online to check for updates are allowed to do so. Then run Secunia Personal Software Inspector, which quickly scan your system, then detects and warns you about insecure, unpatched applications.
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