Created Dec. 20, 2018

Browsers are used extensively in all typles of devices: desktop computers, tablets and mobile phones. Because of this, they are a target for hackers to exploit and gain unauthorized access. The most popular browsers are: Google’s Chrome, Mozilla’s Firefox, Microsoft’s Edge and Internet Explorer, and Apple’s Safari product.

Here are a few tips to protect against device compromise and worse, lost access to data.

  1. Accessing websites as part of leisure activity can be risky. Attackers are known to compromise websites with malicious software that can compromise browsers when connection is made. Recommendation: Use two browsers: one for general Internet access, the other for personal banking, shopping or work-related functions. For example, use Chrome with ScriptSafe for general browsing and Edge or Safari for higher risk usage.
  2. Don’t enable plugins or add-ons that you don’t know about or trust. If you see an interesting add-on, ask for advice on whether the add-on has a good reputation and is actively supported.