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Do You Know How To Improve Your Web Browser's Internet Security?

By: Paul Wilcox

They're actually more like the car than the key, I suppose. They are the tools we use to travel around the web, finding interesting destinations. The trouble is, sometimes an unwanted passenger climbs aboard along the way. In some cases they may even carjack you, taking you places you had no intention of going.

So, what to do?

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.

Even when not inherently better, other browsers and operating systems are less popular targets. Until both legislators and software vendors get really serious about security, it's possible to reduce your 'target area' by staying out of the limelight.

Another key to improving your browser security is learning more about it.

There are a large number of options in both Internet Explorer and most other browsers that control what is and isn't allowed. Most users have little or no knowledge of how these setting affect them.

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 is the final leg of browser security. Do you practice 'safe browsing'? Some sites prompt to download ActiveX controls (little programs), dialers, adware and other dynamic content. Do you really know what's likely to happen when you say yes, or are you trusting the source? Trust is necessary, but as the old saying goes 'Trust, but keep your eyes open'.

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.

Take some time to learn how to lock your system down, even beyond just the browser, to make sure that you won't be hit by some kind of attack.

Article Source: Main Articles

If you'd like to get more information about how to protect yourself from internet security threats, visit the Online Security Toolkit at www.onlinesecuritytoolkit.com, where you'll find helpful information about spam, spyware, viruses, identity theft and more.

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