Browser security settings you need to check now
Check these privacy settings on your browser, now. (iStock)
No matter which browser you choose, you’re accessing the same internet.
That is, of course, unless you’re using Tor to trawl the Dark Web. Feeling curious about how to get there and what you’ll find? Here’s the info — use it at your own risk.
Dark Web or not, it’s surprisingly easy to end up on sketchy websites. Click one bad ad or visit a compromised site, and you, your data, and your tech could end up in a world of hurt. Tap or click here for signs that your computer or phone has been hacked.
Instead of waiting for problems to land in your lap, take action. You can make your browser of choice — Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge — safer.
Keep your location, microphone or camera to yourself
Most web browsers access your geographic location via your IP address to serve local search results. Your browser may also have direct access to permission use of your device’s built-in camera and microphone.
It’s certainly convenient, but it’s a huge security risk. With the right malicious software, hackers can use that access to their advantage. Head off that possibility by limiting access to your location, camera and microphone.
Instead, make the browser ask permission every time it attempts access to them.
From your browser, go to Settings or Preferences, and look under Privacy or Privacy and security. Under Location or Location Services, choose Deny without prompting or Ask before accessing.
Do the same under Camera and Microphone in your Privacy settings. You may need to go into your computer settings on a Mac to adjust access, rather than just Safari.
To make things easier, we compiled step-by-step directions here on my site for Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge.
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Stop automatic downloads before they start
Like location services and quick access to your camera, your browser can download something the second you click. Don’t be that person. Automatically opening downloads can create security problems.
Stop that with the steps below.
Chrome: Click the three-dot menu, then Settings. Under the “Privacy and security” heading on the left, choose Site Settings. Under “Permissions,” click on Automatic downloads, and toggle the Ask when a site… switch to On.
Firefox: Click the three-line menu in the upper right, then choose Options. Select the “General” tab, and look for the “Applications” header. With each content type listed, ensure the action is set to Always ask to prevent any file type from being saved automatically.
Safari: Open Preferences. Under the General tab, click the File download location drop-down menu. Select Ask for each download.
Edge: Click the three-dot menu, then choose Settings. Look for the “Downloads” section on the left. Set the Ask me what to do with each download toggle to On.
Outsmart your smart tech: Yes, your devices are listening. Yes, you can stop it. Tap or click here for 6 ways to stop your tech from listening.
Disable pop-ups and redirects
Pop-ups within websites are a normal part of surfing the web. But new windows that spam you with notifications, ads or mysterious links to click are bad news. The same goes for redirects, sending you from the perfectly safe site you’re visiting to one with more nefarious purposes.
Take control, so none of this happens automatically.
Chrome: Click the three-dot menu, then Settings. Under the “Privacy and security” heading, click Site settings Pop-ups and redirects. Toggle Blocked on.
Firefox: Click the three-line menu in the upper right, then choose Options. Select the
“Privacy & Security” section on the left. Scroll down to “Permissions” and check the box for Block pop-up windows.
Safari: Open the Preferences and the Security tab. Check the box for Block pop-up windows.
Edge: Click the three-dot menu, then choose Site permissions. Select Pop-ups and redirects and toggle on Block.
Make private browsing your friend
Let’s get one thing straight: Using a browser’s private or incognito mode does not hide everything you do from your ISP, family, employer or school.
Private windows don’t save your browsing history, cookies, site data or form information. They can also keep personalized ads that follow you around the web more at bay.
You can open a private window via your browser’s menu or with a keyboard shortcut.
Chrome: Click the three-dot menu, then choose New incognito window. You can also hit Ctrl + Shift + N on Windows or Command + Shift + N on a Mac.
Firefox: Click the three-line menu in the upper right, then New Private Window. Or type Ctrl + Shift + P on Windows or Command + Shift + P on a Mac.
Safari: Click File New Private Window. Or type Command + Shift + N.
Edge: Click the three-dot menu in the upper right, then New InPrivate window. You can also…