Internet Web Browsers - The Key to Security?
Paul Wilcox
Less like the key, really, than a car - browsers provide the means for traveling around the Internet to interesting destinations. Unfortunately, sometimes uninvited passengers climb in. On rare occasions, they even 'carjack' you.
So, what can you do to stop them?
There are a number of options, the first of which is the browser software you choose to use. Microsoft's Internet Explorer still has the lion's share of the market, but it's losing ground to other, more secure browsers such as Firefox.
And this isn't necessarily just because they're more secure (although they usually are). Because fewer people use them, they're just not as big a target for the people who create these security issues. Using a less widely used browser can help keep you under the radar.
Another important factor in improving browser security is to learn more about it.
There are a lot of options and setting in Internet Explorer (and most other browsers) that allow you to have more control over what is allowed and what isn't. The trouble is, most people have little to no idea how to set them properly.
For example, should you disable Javascript, leave it enabled or set it up to prompt you every time a website uses it? In this particular example, it depends on your tolerance for annoyance. If you disable it entirely, some websites just won't work. And if you set it to prompt you, you may get a lot of messages popping up if you frequent sites that use it.
These kinds of trade-offs are a pain in the neck and hopefully the day will come when they're no longer necessary. In the meantime, however, you really should do some reading and learn a bit about how to set things up for the most effective protection.
Proper use of your browser is another key component of security. Do you actually read those warning messages that come up once in a while or do you just click OK and move along? Unless you really know you can trust a website, it's always better to err on the side of caution.
Most people don't realize just how much information is made available simply by browsing the internet. When you visit a website, various pieces of information about your location and your computer get shared with them - it's a two way street.
Back to education for a moment. Spend some time learning how to lock down your system, outside the browser settings, to make it more difficult for these errant programs to gain Administrator level privileges. Your time will be well re-paid.
To get more information how to protect yourself from online security threats, visit the Online Security Toolkit at http://www.onlinesecuritytoolkit.com, where you'll find helpful information about spam, spyware, viruses, identity theft and more. This article is available as a http://www.uberarticles.com/?id=16116&b=79 unique content article with free reprint rights.
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