Skip to main content

10 Reasons to use Google Chrome for Security

Internet Explorer has been there for good long time now and each version has exposed security vulnerabilities.  What that mean to user is that any website that you visit can take control of your computer remotely and can do anything without you noticing it. Microsoft has recently (26th April 2014)  notified users about flaw in Internet Explorer https://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/library/security/2963983 . Here is why its time to switch to better options for free.

As internet has matured new web technologies have immersed. Modern browser has been developed to meet those needs and keep users safe. Google Chrome and Firefox has grabbed market share from IE with due its appealing functionality over IE . Today FireFox has released their new version 29 which has refreshing looks, boost privacy and provides new customization.  Try it! https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/



Why Google Chrome:
Google Chrome has became popular since it launched in 2008 and is the fastest growing browser.  Its based on open-source project called Chromium which is driven by Google and people around the world.

Here are some notable features from security point that strongly suggest using Google Chrome or Chromium -
  1. Secured Tabbed browsing - All new browsers supports browser tabs to visit different websites in different tabs. In Chrome each tab is separate process running on your system which makes it secure. Web-page from one page cannot infect or access data from other. Chrome has made best use of OS security functionality to extend to browser
  2. Auto-updates in Chrome ensures you get latest fixes and functionality. As a user you never need to force update or worry about it. It’s a patented technology from Google to update their products silently and automatically

  3. Plugins/add-ons to enhance secure browsing. My other blog details about security enhancing Chrome plugins that you should be using. Most of these are also available in Firefox also
  4. Chrome maintains blacklisted (Phishing & malware) websites for protecting users. Users are warned if they are visiting these websites which gives in-built protection without any other plugins
  5. Google promotes security research on their Chrome browser and offers bounty if people find security issues in their products. Good few issues has been reported and addressed quickly by Google. Open-source nature provides access to source code that people around world can use and can dig deep to find vulnerabilities. Both of these programs give higher confidence of security
  6. Chrome scans files that you download for viruses. A built in virus protection in browser just works
  7. Security warnings/alert when web-certificates of websites mismatch, an indication of doggy website. If a website claims like your bank website, however has red warning alert from Chrome, then that's likely fraudulent website
  8. Parental controls with in browser - An In-built parental controls to secure your kids online is available for parents to configure. Here is guide available for same - http://www.howtogeek.com/177958/use-supervised-users-to-set-up-parental-controls-on-a-chromebook-or-just-in-chrome/
  9. Private Browsing" mode or "Incognito" mode as in Google Chrome. No traces are left behind when you browse in private mode. No history, no temporary files, no web cookies to track users and no cache. Files you explicitly download do remain. Here is my other blog on it.
  10. Google Sync - A feature that allows you to login to browser using Google account and then sync your bookmarks, extensions/plugins, history and other configurations. This makes it easy for users to give consistent experience on different machines. All your bank/important website bookmarks are available to use on new machines if you switch between devices.

Oddly, there are some websites that need Internet Explorer only. You will have to stick with IE in those cases and user other for rest.

Other notable browsers include Opera & Safari from Apple. They too do great job in many aspects of security as listed above. However Google Chrome is its way ahead.

Note - Chromium is Open-source version of Google Chrome. Both share same code base. Google Chrome gives a touch of Google branding and more suited if you heavy use Google account, which most of us do.

Other blog reference - http://tiptopsecurity.com/safest-web-browser-chrome-firefox-ie-opera-safari-comparison-chart/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Password - The weakest factor online

Passwords has been a proven way to protect your account and keep your info secure and private.    Passwords are common and we do use it everyday. Access emails, your system,  Facebook, unlocking your phone, access bank online,  and many more. An average of 10 passwords are used by any individual (like you) everyday as per reports.    With internet and the number of things you can do online, password has been a common practice. To play a game or post review, you need an account and thus the password. Concept of an account has been strongly developed in internet so that you can log back in anytime and continue to access the information back where you left. An account maps your work, activity on that website which can be saved and later referred back. Now that there is data associated with you account, websites wants to protect users data and thus the password which forms the easies way to authenticate a user.    Hackers and mal...
1 comment
Read more

Transform your $15 router to $200 security router for FREE

Technology is evolving faster and there are more IoT devices at home/office than a few years back. Software Security companies are moving towards securing every connected device at your home/office and not just protecting laptops/smartphones. Traditional Security companies have launched a Wi-Fi router based security product to secure every connected device. Please check  McAfee ,   Norton  &  F-Secure . There are few more new players like  NetSequre ,  eBlocker ,  Cujo  &  Gryphon  centered around secured home protection via Wi-Fi router. Protecting every connected device makes sense and router based security technology solve it perfectly. Most of these above Security companies are offering a Hardware/Router device costing around $200-$300 as the premium price for a security solution. Sounds perfect as it brings in huge value to customers. NetSequre has taken a different approach and we are happy about we...
1 comment
Read more

Use Bookmarks for Bank websites!

Online banking is preferred way for bank transactions and we hardly visit bank building. Most banks do provide android/iphone apps  to take it further. Bank websites are here to stay and do provide rich set of services for customers; and here lies the security issue. You need to protect you identity while logging in and prevent using your credentials on any other fake websites. Use browser bookmarks to open bank website: Always visit your bank using a bookmark on your browser. Simple practice can save your money Never search for bank URL in google or any search engine. You may land up in fake website Never search bank website URL in emails, you might open fraudulent email with URL pointing to site that looks similar to your bank. You may end up entering credentials and give away access to hackers Do NOT bookmark 'Sign in' page as it can change, always bookmark main website of bank e.g. https://www.hsbc.co.in, you can then follow the 'Sign in' page from there. Jus...
Post a Comment
Read more