This post will be a small stop to safe browsing habits island, where will we share with you 10 quick tips to help you browse safely online. Make sure to implement what you’ve learnt in this post today to enhance your browsing experience!
Check for HTTPS Encryption:
Before entering personal information on a website, like your credit card info or how many cats you have, ensure it has a secure connection by checking for "https://" and a padlock icon in the address bar.
Install Browser Extensions Wisely:
Only install extensions from trusted sources. Review and uninstall unnecessary extensions - Install as little extensions as possible - as all extensions have access to the browser’s data and could potentially pose different risks to your privacy and security. You don’t really need an extension to replace all your images with Nicholas Cage now do you?
Manage Browser Permissions:
Yes, your browser has permissions too!
Review and manage the permissions granted to websites. Be especially cautious about allowing access to your location, camera, and microphone. If you need to allow permissions, make sure to do so temporarily by either revoking access to that specific permission after you’re done using it or via a dedicated permission interface which offers limited time permissions.
Use Private Browsing Mode:
Consider using your browser's private or incognito mode when browsing to prevent the storage of browsing history, form answers, and cookies. Trust us, your browser will love you back! (privately)
Bookmark Secure Websites:
Save bookmarks for frequently visited websites, especially those that require login credentials, to ensure you always access the legitimate site. This could help prevent fishing attempts. No more URL guessing!
Use Reputable Search Engines:
Be cautious about the links you click on in search results. Stick to reputable search engines and verify the legitimacy of websites before clicking.
(check out this post before 2023 ends :) )
Disable Autofill for Sensitive Information:
Disable autofill for sensitive information like passwords and credit card details to prevent accidental exposure1 - you wouldn’t want that to happen to you in real life would you? Don’t let it happen to your browser! -
Familiarize Yourself with Browser Settings:
Explore and understand your browser's settings to customize preferences that enhance security and privacy. If your browser doesn’t offer privacy settings that fit your threat model, consider switching to a more privacy-friendly alternative. You earn +2 hacker points if you wear a black hoodie while doing so.
Use The Built-in Browser Security Features:
Take advantage of built-in security features in your browser, such as pop-up blockers and safe browsing settings. Take some time to make your daily browser happier and more secure.
Be Skeptical of Browser Notifications:
Avoid accepting browser notifications from unfamiliar websites, as they can be used for unwanted advertisements, bad redirects, to trigger malware downloads, or even phishing attempts.
[BONUS] Don’t Use the Browser’s Password Manager:
The browser's password manager may not be the most secure option for storing your login credentials. Instead, consider using a password manager that is independent of your browser, and preferably local to your device with no internet connectivity. These types of password managers offer additional security features and can provide better protection for your sensitive information. Don’t keep all of your eggs in one basket!
— We hope you’ve enjoyed this post and taken action on at least one of these tips. See you in our next posts!
Sources: Librewolf, Brave Browser, MetaGer, Leo AI, Ifunny.co
Accidental Exposure: Accidental exposure in the context of autofill in browsers, refers to the unintentional disclosure of sensitive information through the autofill feature. Accidental exposure can occur when a user's sensitive information is automatically filled into a form field that is visible or accessible to others, either because the user didn't notice it happening or because they didn't anticipate the information being used in that particular context.