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It's Dangerous Out There... 5 Easy Ways to Protect Your Browser from Nasties

Unless you're Bear Grylls, you wouldn't go on any kind of dangerous adventure without safety measures being in place would you?

Yet, the internet is like an untamed jungle, rife with hidden dangers...lurking...threatening....ready to jump onto your computer at any given opportunity. Have you considered your safety beyond just having a virus checker?

These nasties - viruses, spyware, sneakware, adware, keyloggers, browser hijackers, porn servers, trojans and worms - malicious wicked nasties we now call 'malware' sit in wait for any opportunity to jump onto your system.

What can it do?

At its very worst, malware will steal your banking PIN, your eBay login, your Paypal information, indeed - your whole identity. At best, it will really stuff up your computer.

Common malware functions are:

• Malware steals your personal information and address book
(identity theft and keystroke-logging)
• Malware floods your browser with pop-up advertising
• Malware spams your inbox with advertising email
• Malware slows down your connection
• Malware hijacks your browser and redirects you to an advertising or
a phishing-con web page
• Malware uses your computer as a secret server to broadcast pornography files
• Malware slows down or crashes your computer

How does it get on your computer?

Easy! You may browse to an innocent-looking web page, take out a free subscription, check out the game demos, add a free funky toolbar, or download some innocent little thing from the web. Nasties can piggyback on any of these and infect your system.

If you ever sign up for a so-called "free" service or install new software, you must accept an "end user license agreement" (EULA). The fine print of the EULA will often include the phrase "the vendor is allowed to install third-party software on your computer". No-one bothers to read this EULA fine print, naively click "accept", and install malware on their computer.

Taking action to secure your internet browser will enable safer web surfing and can help ensure your hard drive and personal information aren't at risk.

Here are a few ways to secure your internet browser for safer surfing:

Update Your Browser Regularly

As internet browser technology evolves, so do the unsavory individuals looking to exploit new online vulnerabilities. Subsequently, it is imperative to keep your web browser regularly updated.

The three main things to consider when choosing an internet browser are simplicity, speed and security. Excelling in each of these areas, Google Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer - make sure you are running the latest version!

Similarly, update your operating system regularly too, especially if you are using the OS's default browser (e.g., Internet Explorer on Windows).

Use the Pop-up Blocker

The blocker helps prevent harmful malware from installing on your computer. If you have to temporarily disable the pop-up blocker, be sure to enable it when you are finished.

Enable Fraud Protection

A phishing website is a fraudulent website that is masked as a trustworthy one in order to acquire personal information such as passwords and credit card information.

These websites can steal cached data on your system without you even knowing it. Prevent this by enabling your browser's fraud protection, which typically "blacklists" known phishing sites and blocks access to them. This blanket protection ensures you don't inadvertently visit a known phishing site.

Install Only Trusted Programs

It may seem obvious but only download software or programs from known, trusted sources. Beware of downloading free programs from unknown sources and inadvertently installing damaging spyware or viruses onto your computers. If you are unsure about a particular program, do some research online; chances are if it isn't a legitimate program or application, you won't be able to verify it online.

Look for Private-Browsing Features

Most internet browsers have privacy features that allow you to easily clear your browsing history and personal data. This is important if you use a shared computer, whether in your office, at the library or in a computer lab. Many browsers also have private browsing or private tabs, which allow you to surf the web without leaving any trace of the sites you visit.

Seek Robust Encryption Support

Only use internet browsers that support the latest encryption standards of SSL and TSL. These types of encryption establish an encrypted link between your browser and the website you are using in which sensitive data can pass through securely.

Jumping on the internet is, for most people, an essential to everyday life, whether you're looking for information, going on Facebook, shopping or online banking, the convenience is too hard to resist. A little time and knowledge can go a long way towards providing you with a safer browsing environment.