Web Browsers, Key to Security
Web Browsers are your key to the Internet. With a browser such as Internet Explorer, you can find almost anything you need by surfing the Internet. However, there are dangerous locations online – those that are looking to hijack your computer and use it for their own good. The problem is, you may not even know when you visit a website that it could be potentially dangerous to your computer.
Many users are not even aware how vulnerable their systems can be simply by viewing a web page. Visiting a malicious web page with an insecure browser opens up your entire computer to potential problems and viruses. Some sites only have harmless cookies, but other like to download executable programs that will allow the hacker complete control over your system. Scary, isn’t it?What can you do to protect yourself while surfing? One basic step is your choice of browser. There are many you can choose, but Internet Explorer is still used by the majority of computer users as the default browser. This may be because Internet Explorer is shipped with every new computer. That, however, does not mean it is the safest browser. Many people are turning away from Internet Explorer because of its many security holes. One great alternative is Firefox. It offers more security as well as not being under constant fire by hackers as Internet Explorer is.
If you still wish to use Internet Explorer, there are some options you can activate to protect yourself. However, few users are aware of these options, so they often do not implement them, leaving the door open for hackers to attack their computer through Internet Explorer. One such option is ‘Allow ActiveX controls and plug-ins to Run.’ Do you really need these to run automatically every time? If not, set the option to ‘Prompt’ and each time ActiveX or a plug-in needs to run, you will be prompted. It may take a little more of your time to activate ActiveX or the plug-in, but your browser will be more secure and it will help you avoid virus headaches later. Remember that when you are infected, it may take days to recover your computer and files – if you can at all. A little precaution time spent is usually preferable to most users over hours and hours of recovery time.
Finally, you yourself can practice ‘safe browsing.’ Do you visit sites that prompt you to download ActiveX controls – little programs that can run on your computer? If you do, do you really know what is being installed on your computer when you click ‘Yes’ to let it download? Is it a trusted site or just some place you found while surfing? Of course, you want to be able to view information that you need, but you have to keep your computer safety in the back of your mind at all times.
Take the time to learn a little about browser security and the options you can activate – it will not be time wasted! Also, pay attention to the sites you visit and only download from trusted sources. Being suspicious of a web site is not necessarily a bad thing these days!