In today’s digital age, web browsing can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the internet has made connecting with people more accessible than ever, accessing information, and completing transactions online.
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On the other hand, the internet is also full of risks, such as malicious websites, phishing scams, and malware.
You must use your browser’s security features to protect yourself while browsing the web.
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In the below article, we’ll show you how to stay safe online with the security features available in some of the most popular web browsers, including Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge.
Safari
Safari is the default web browser for macOS and iOS devices. Here are some tips on how to stay safe while browsing with Safari:
Enable the pop-up blocker: Safari has a built-in pop-up blocker that can prevent websites from displaying unwanted pop-up windows. To enable it, click on the “Safari” menu, select “Preferences,” and click on the “Website” tab. Then, In the Websites tab on the left sideb, you can configure options to allow or block some or all pop-ups.
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Use the “Fraudulent Website Warning” feature: Safari has a feature that warns you when you visit a website that is suspected of phishing or other fraudulent activities. To enable it, click on the “Safari” menu, select “Preferences,” and click on the “Security” tab. Then, check the box next to “Warn when visiting a fraudulent website.”
Disable auto-play: Some websites may use auto-play to play videos or audio automatically. This can be annoying and may also pose a security risk. To disable auto-play, click on the “Safari” menu, select “Preferences,” and click on the “Websites” tab. Then, scroll down to the “Auto-Play” section and choose “Never Auto-Play.”
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Chrome
Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers in the world. Here are some tips on how to stay safe while browsing with Chrome:
Enable the Safe Browsing feature: Chrome has a built-in Safe Browsing feature that can protect you from dangerous websites. To enable it, click on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window, select “Settings,” and then click “Privacy and Security.” Then, scroll down to the “Security” section and make sure the “Safe Browsing” feature is turned on.
Use the Password Manager: Chrome has a built-in Password Manager that can store your passwords securely. This can help prevent you from falling victim to phishing scams. To access it, click on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window, select “Settings,” and click “Passwords.”
Disabling third-party cookies: Some websites may use third-party cookies to track browsing activity. To disable them, click on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window, select “Settings,” and then click on “Privacy and Security.” Then, scroll down to the “Cookies and other site data” section and make sure the “Block third-party cookies” feature is turned on.
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Firefox
Firefox is another popular web browser known for its security features. Here are some tips on how to stay safe while browsing with Firefox:
- Enable the Enhanced Tracking Protection feature: Firefox has a built-in Enhanced Tracking Protection feature that can prevent websites from tracking your browsing activity. To enable it, click on the three lines in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window, select “Options,” and then click “Privacy & Security.” Then, ensure the “Enhanced Tracking Protection” feature is turned on.
- Use the Password Manager: Firefox has a built-in Password Manager that can store your passwords securely. This can help prevent you from falling victim to phishing scams. To access it, click on the three lines in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window, select “Options,” and then click on “Privacy & Security.” Then, click on “Saved Logins” to manage your passwords.
- Disable auto-play: Some websites may use auto-play to play videos or audio automatically. This can be annoying and may also pose a security risk. To disable auto-play, click on the three lines in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window, select “Options,” and then click “Privacy & Security.” Then, scroll down to the “Permissions” section and choose “Block websites from automatically playing sound.”
Opera
Opera is a lesser-known browser, but it also has some useful security features. Here are some tips on how to stay safe while browsing with Opera:
- Enable the Fraud and Malware Protection feature: Opera has a built-in Fraud and Malware Protection feature that can protect you from dangerous websites. To enable it, click on the “Settings” icon in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window, select “Privacy & Security,” and then make sure the “Fraud and Malware Protection” feature is turned on.
- Use the Built-in VPN: Opera has a built-in VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your privacy. To enable it, click on the “Settings” icon in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window, select “Privacy & Security,” and then toggle the “VPN” feature to on.
- Disabling third-party cookies: Some websites may use third-party cookies to track browsing activity. To disable them, click on the “Settings” icon in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window, select “Privacy & Security,” and then toggle the “Block third-party cookies” feature to on.
Edge
Edge is Microsoft’s web browser and comes pre-installed with Windows 10. Here are some tips on how to stay safe while browsing with Edge:
- Enable the SmartScreen feature: Edge has a built-in SmartScreen feature that can protect you from dangerous websites. To enable it, click on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window, select “Settings,” and then click “Privacy, search, and Services.” Then, ensure the “Block potentially harmful downloads” and “Block potentially unwanted apps” features are turned on.
- Use the Password Monitor: Edge has a built-in Password Monitor that can notify you if any of your saved passwords have been compromised in a data breach. To access it, click on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window, select “Settings,” and click “Profiles.” Then, click on “Password Monitor” to enable it.
- Disable auto-play: Some websites may use auto-play to play videos or audio automatically. This can be annoying and may also pose a security risk. To disable auto-play, click on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window, select “Settings,” and then click “Cookies and site permissions.” Then, click on “Media autoplay” and choose “Block.”
In conclusion, these are some of the security features available in some of the most popular web browsers that can help keep you safe while browsing the web. By taking advantage of these features and following some basic security practices, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to online threats.