Browser security might be something that is on your mind when you are surfing the internet. Google Chrome is one of the most popular internet browsers, and while it is pretty secure compared to the others, there are many things you can do to make it even more secure.
Web browsers are necessary to do anything on the internet, so it is important to protect yourself from online vulnerabilities. Here are seven easy steps to make your Google Chrome more secure while browsing the internet.
1. Use a VPN
Getting a Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is an easy step you can take to ensure your browser is more secure. It keeps everything you do private from your ISP (internet service provider).
This secure server is external, so whatever you do will not be recorded onto your own server. To get a VPN, you can pay a small price to have great security. While there are some free options, the best services are going to cost you a little bit. You can’t put a price on your privacy.
There are many VPN options available for Google Chrome users.
2. Google Security Checkup
There is a security checkup that Google services offer. It will let you know what is and isn’t secure on your Chrome browser and other Google accounts. You can then make changes based on what has been flagged.
To easily find this feature, sign into your Google account and then go to this page or search “Google Security Checkup.” It will walk you through the steps you can take.
3. Use Two-Step Verification
By enabling the two-step verification feature, this can be an added security protocol for your browser to keep all your data and information secure from anyone unauthorized to get their hands on it.
By setting this up, it will require you to verify your identity when you sign into a new device. This will mean that without your smartphone, others cannot get into your account. While this might seem like a pain to have to verify your identity, it will alert you if others are trying to get into your account.
4. Use HTTPS Everywhere
HTTPS Everywhere is an extension that was created by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an organization that aims to fight for internet users’ rights.
By getting the HTTPS Everywhere extension, it will encrypt any site that you visit. Basically, what this means is when you visit a website, it will automatically bring you to a more secure version of the site, so that you can have better security and be less vulnerable to online threats.
5. Check Privacy Settings
Browsers come with many privacy settings that you have automatic control over. While some settings come as default, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best choice to make when it comes to your security.
Here are some of the things to keep in mind when you are resetting your privacy settings:
- JavaScript: Click on “Do not allow any site to run JavaScript”
- Handlers: Click on “Allow sites to ask to become default handlers for protocols”
- Plugins: Click on “Click to play”
There are also other settings you should check out. Look to see how Google is using your information as you browse. Pay attention to the settings related to web browsing. If you are not limiting access for web content, you can be susceptible to malware attacks. This is another great way to make your Google Chrome more secure.
6. Never Save Passwords or Credit Card Information
While it can be difficult to remember passwords since different websites and services require different combinations of letters, numbers and special characters, it is never a good idea to save passwords within your browser.
Most websites and browsers also give you the option to save credit card information to make it easier the next time you make a purchase, but this is also not the safest choice to make in terms of cybersecurity.
When Google Chrome gives you the option to save passwords, be sure to click “never.” This will keep your personal information secure.
7. Password Protect Your Browser
You might not realize that you can set a password for your Chrome browser as an added security feature.
While this is a great feature, you should know upfront that it will require you to type in your password each time you want to use your browser. That might be a bit of a pain, but it is important to keep your information secure.
Making sure your browser data, personal information and passwords are safe and secure can be easy. You don’t even have to call in the professionals to help you. All you need to do is follow these seven easy steps and your browser will be very secure.
With the ever-increasing amount of cyberattacks targeting everyday technology, it’s always important to prioritize security first as you browse the internet.
Sophie is a marketing specialist at Security Gladiators. A writer by day and a reader by night, she is specialized in tech and cybersecurity. When she is not behind the screen, Sophie can be found playing with her dog.
Actually I am using Nord for Google Chrome and that works well. I tried different VPNs, but when it came down to buying one, I chose this one. Nord does great job, it has strong encryption and no logs policy, what is the most important for me.