Browsing the Internet Safely

Problem

The Internet has become one of your most powerful tools for many tasks, such as searching for information, communicating with friends and co-workers, shopping online, and managing your finances. In almost all of these
cases the primary tool you use is your browser, such as Internet Explorer, Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Your browser is in many ways your gateway to the Internet.
Because so many people around the world use and depend on browsers for their daily Internet activities, your browser is also a primary target for cyber criminals. Cyber criminals around the world have developed new attacks and built malicious websites designed to hack your browser and infect your computer. Once hacked, attackers quickly gain total control of your computer and all your information without you knowing it.
By protecting your browser and using it wisely, you can protect yourself against these threats and safely use the Internet for your daily activities.

Solution

Here are steps you can take to protect your browser and yourself.

  1. Your Browser.
    1. A key step to protecting your browser is whenever possible use the latest version. By using the latest
      version you ensure you have the latest security mechanisms in place.
    2. Make sure your browser is always updated. Your browser vendor is constantly releasing new patches
      to fix known weaknesses.
    3. To ensure your browser is always current, enable automatic updating.
  2. Avoid Plugins.
    1. Plugins or Add-ons are additional programs you can install in your browser to give you more functionality. For example, Adobe Flash, Java or Apple QuickTime.
    2. Every plugin you add becomes another window for attackers to break into your computer. In addition, it can be difficult to keep these plugins current because very few of them have autoupdating features.
    3. Install only plugins that are authorized and that you absolutely need, and be sure that you always have the latest version installed.
  3. Scan All Downloads.
    1. A key step to protecting yourself is scanning all downloaded files from the Internet with updated anti-virus.
    2. When you download and install or run a new program, that program may be infected. It may appear to work just fine but will attempt to silently infect your computer.
    3. This is very common especially with free files, such as free screensavers or games.
    4. Be sure to scan anything you download with antivirus before opening or running it.
  4. Additional Security Settings.
    1. One more step you can take is changing the security settings on your browser.
    2. Some browsers such as Internet Explorer have additional browser security settings.
  5. Mobile Devices.
    1. Keep in mind these guidelines are not just for your computer but for any mobile devices you may use,
      including smartphones or tablets.

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