Browsers are integral to internet surfing. A Browser is an application that renders a web page written in Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML, XHTML) in a format comprehensible to layman. More explicitly, a browser utilizes the ‘source code’ of a web page, a set of instructions in HTML/XHTML, to figure out page layout and design, display of graphics/text and animation. In this post, we will explain how browser security works and what is your role in safe browsing? Contact browser support service for any issues with browser configuration or security.
HTML 5 is the latest standard in developing web page source code and it is steadily gaining popularity among web-developers. On the other hand, choices for web-browsers are aplenty. Google Chrome rules the roost with 37.3 percent of the total Web browser market as per W3C browser usage statistics of March 2012. Firefox comes to the second position with 36.3 percent – a slight difference from Chrome’s share, and then Internet Explorer comes at third with 18.9 percent. Safari holds 4.4 percent share and Opera has 2.3 percent market shares. Most of us use more than one browser, depending on the OS or the device we are working on.
Our choice of browser is for the most part, dictated by its feature set, user interface, speed and performance. Browser security is often conveniently overlooked. Fortunately, all leading browsers provide excellent security features, inclusive of pop-up blockers, anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-phishing protection. In a recent browser-security oriented study by research firm Accuvant labs, Google Chrome is placed at the top of the pack, followed closely by IE, while Firefox lags far behind.
Sandboxing, as used by browsers, is a security measure that limits the access of a web page to system resources and files outside the browser. Both Chrome and IE implement this technique, whereas, Firefox does not. Just-in-time (JIT) hardening prevents compilation of a JavaScript code that cannot be run by the computer, another plus point for Chrome and IE.
When you visit a website, you could be prompted to install a plug-in/add-on to access all website features. Some plug-ins can cause harm to your computer as they install additional software or attempt to access sensitive user data, without your knowledge. Plug-in security keeps such malicious plug-ins in check. Accuvant labs found Chrome offers the best level of plug-in security compared to other browsers. In a separate study by NSS labs, IE topped the browser security test.
Whatever the case maybe, browsers do their part to keep your internet experience safe and secure. But does safe browsing end there? No. User precaution is just as important for browser security as the browser itself, if not more. Users need to exercise restraint in opening e-mails from unverified e-mail addresses as, such e-mails might prompt you to visit phishing websites designed to look authentic. Always remember to verify domain addresses of websites where you are required to enter personal information such as your name, password or credit card details. Often, fraudulent websites are created with slight changes to the URL of the official website. When making online transactions or entering information, ensure the website is supported by HTTPS (Secure HyperText Transfer Protocol), which means all data sent over the internet is encrypted and cannot be intercepted by a third party. You should be able to see ‘https’ on the web address bar and a yellow padlock sign in the browser frame.
As the saying goes, 'Curiosity killed the cat,' we advise you to stay away from suspicious e-mails or websites that claim to make you rich overnight or offer unbelievable discounts. Finally, do upgrade your browser to the latest version and install updates frequently. You can also contact Internet browser support for setting your browser configuration for maximum safety.
HTML 5 is the latest standard in developing web page source code and it is steadily gaining popularity among web-developers. On the other hand, choices for web-browsers are aplenty. Google Chrome rules the roost with 37.3 percent of the total Web browser market as per W3C browser usage statistics of March 2012. Firefox comes to the second position with 36.3 percent – a slight difference from Chrome’s share, and then Internet Explorer comes at third with 18.9 percent. Safari holds 4.4 percent share and Opera has 2.3 percent market shares. Most of us use more than one browser, depending on the OS or the device we are working on.
Our choice of browser is for the most part, dictated by its feature set, user interface, speed and performance. Browser security is often conveniently overlooked. Fortunately, all leading browsers provide excellent security features, inclusive of pop-up blockers, anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-phishing protection. In a recent browser-security oriented study by research firm Accuvant labs, Google Chrome is placed at the top of the pack, followed closely by IE, while Firefox lags far behind.
Sandboxing, as used by browsers, is a security measure that limits the access of a web page to system resources and files outside the browser. Both Chrome and IE implement this technique, whereas, Firefox does not. Just-in-time (JIT) hardening prevents compilation of a JavaScript code that cannot be run by the computer, another plus point for Chrome and IE.
When you visit a website, you could be prompted to install a plug-in/add-on to access all website features. Some plug-ins can cause harm to your computer as they install additional software or attempt to access sensitive user data, without your knowledge. Plug-in security keeps such malicious plug-ins in check. Accuvant labs found Chrome offers the best level of plug-in security compared to other browsers. In a separate study by NSS labs, IE topped the browser security test.
Whatever the case maybe, browsers do their part to keep your internet experience safe and secure. But does safe browsing end there? No. User precaution is just as important for browser security as the browser itself, if not more. Users need to exercise restraint in opening e-mails from unverified e-mail addresses as, such e-mails might prompt you to visit phishing websites designed to look authentic. Always remember to verify domain addresses of websites where you are required to enter personal information such as your name, password or credit card details. Often, fraudulent websites are created with slight changes to the URL of the official website. When making online transactions or entering information, ensure the website is supported by HTTPS (Secure HyperText Transfer Protocol), which means all data sent over the internet is encrypted and cannot be intercepted by a third party. You should be able to see ‘https’ on the web address bar and a yellow padlock sign in the browser frame.
As the saying goes, 'Curiosity killed the cat,' we advise you to stay away from suspicious e-mails or websites that claim to make you rich overnight or offer unbelievable discounts. Finally, do upgrade your browser to the latest version and install updates frequently. You can also contact Internet browser support for setting your browser configuration for maximum safety.
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