Browser Security
Web browser default settings are secure but you can do more to protect your privacy and enhance security.
Best Practices
- Keep your browsers up to date. Like all software, patches are released to fix holes that give criminals access to your data. This includes plugins (e.g., Adobe Flash and Java) that you may use.
- Review your browser’s security setting and preferences.
- If you do not need popups, disable them or install software that will prevent pop-up windows. Pop-ups can be used to run malicious software on your computer. Ignore and ‘X’ out of them when they do appear.
- Don’t save passwords and login information in your browser
- Disable third-party cookies. Cooks are commonly used to track website activity. For example, when you searched Amazon last night for a new mixer and the next day when you’re on the Weather Channel page and you see an Amazon ad for mixers...that’s because of browser cookies.
- Don’t install add-ons, plug-ins, toolbars, and extensions except with great care. These allow code to run on your computer and that code can be malicious. Like apps and other free software, be careful!
- Consider using your browser’s private browsing or do not track features when you do not want information saved to your device about the sites and pages you have visited
- Consider using a search engine that does not track your searches
Private Web Browsing
Google Chrome – Search ‘incognito mode’ in the Google Support Center
Mozilla Firefox – Search for ‘private browsing’ in the Firefox Help
Microsoft Internet Explorer – Search for ‘private browsing’ in the Internet Explorer Help
Microsoft Edge – Search for ‘InPrivate’ browsing in Microsoft Edge
Apple Safari – Search for ‘private browsing’ in the Apple Support Center
Private Searching
These search engines don’t track your searches
External Links
Electronic Privacy Information Center – Cookies
Browsing Safely: Understanding Active Content and Cookies
U.S. Department of Justice – Children Internet Safety