The Safest Browsers: Here's our pick!
Protect yourself from cyber threats by surfing the Internet.
Nowadays almost every user has his or her favorite browser in everyday use, but is this browser among the truly safe ones? That is the question we would like to answer in this article.
If you're just browsing the web, running your business, or keeping in touch with loved ones, chances are you're using some kind of browser to access the Internet. Since you'll be sharing personal and perhaps even sensitive information, you'll want to protect your identity from cyber criminals and your laptop from viruses. If your browser isn't secure enough, malware can infiltrate your system, infect your device and even seriously damage your data.
And while reliable antivirus software will make your surfing the web safe enough, it's much wiser to prevent "dealing" with malware than to fix the consequences later. By choosing a safe browser, you will not only protect your data, but also make sure that no one can track your online activities.
To help you decide which one to choose, we'll share with you our selection of the safest browsers available today, so stay tuned. Before we get to that list, however, let's be clear about what makes a browser safe and how to make the right choice.
What is a safe browser?
Simply put, a safe browser is everything a browser should be, but with an added layer of security that will protect users from the actions of cyber criminals while surfing the Internet. It creates a whitelist, which is a list of sites, programs, and online activities classified as safe, thereby protecting the user by preventing any actions that do not match the list.
Also, while browser security and privacy are not the same thing, it is desirable that they go hand in hand. While browser security is responsible for malware and keeping your protection up to date, the privacy part is primarily about protecting your data as well as hiding your identity. However, a browser that is strong enough when it comes to security should have all the features in similar proportions.
How to choose the safest browser?
Since there is no shortage of all kinds of viruses, hackers and data thieves on the Internet, the browser you choose should protect you from all kinds of cyber threats, including phishing sites, web cookies, spyware, keyloggers and malicious pop-ups.
In addition, a secure browser with privacy will allow its users to delete browser history when needed, protecting personal information from others. It will also allow you to use additional passwords to further protect your data.
Given that there are several reliable and secure browsers for different operating systems (OS) and devices, choosing the right one can be a difficult task. So, to narrow down the potential list, here are the best picks of the most secure browsers on the market.
1. Google Chrome
Strong on security, but not on privacy.
Pros:
Versatile;
Excellent security;
Synchronization between devices and services;
Cons:
There are some privacy issues;
When it comes to popularity, Google Chrome has retained the title of the world's most popular
browser for more than a decade - and for good reason. It's strikingly safe, easy to use, and fast at
the same time. Chrome is smooth and responsive, keeps up to date via a fast update cycle, and offers
a host of safety features, including automatic updates, automatic download scanning, automatic
malware site warnings, privacy tabs, and Incognito mode.
However, despite Chrome being considered the "browser that can't be hacked" in several Pwn2Own
computer-hacking contests, when it comes to privacy assessments, a different story begins.
It's no secret that Chrome collects data about all of its users, tracks their activity, and doesn't
shy away from other privacy violations for its own profit.
Also, since it's not open-source software at all, it's hard to say how it tracks its users. When
Chrome communicates with your Google Account (via sync), it automatically collects all your data
(including your search history) and sends it back to Google. If you use Chrome on your phone, all of
your location data is also sent to you.
So, while reliable in terms of security, if you want a secure browser with an emphasis on privacy,
you should stay away from Chrome.
2. Mozilla Firefox
A great alternative for anyone who doesn't want to share their privacy with Google.
Pros:
Easy to use browser;
Excellent security and excellent privacy;
Cons:
Updates are much less frequent than Google Chrome;
Manual configuration is a must;
As an open, secure and easily customizable browser, Mozilla Firefox trumps Chrome when it comes to
privacy. Known for its convenience as well as its flexibility, Firefox is a great choice for
non-technical users as well as tech-savvy people.
If you want to protect your privacy above all else, download a couple of privacy plugins to hide
your online activities. Unlike Chrome, Firefox doesn't keep track of your browser history, and it
also updates regularly (though less frequently than Chrome), so you can feel at ease - unless you
need tough security.
Some security features include automatic cookie lock tracking, phishing and malware protection,
encrypted DNS over HTTPS (DoH), and the ability to use third-party security extensions.
If you want to increase security, you'll need to manually configure your Firefox and possibly add
suspicious site reports, data leak alerts, data collection prevention, pop-up blockers, enforce all
connections over HTTPS, and so on.
If you use Android or iOS, the privacy-focused Firefox Focus browser is also a great choice.
3. Tor Browser
Anonymity control with a focus on techno-geeks.
Pros:
Deep web access;
Makes your IP address anonymous;
Leader in privacy;
Cons:
Not the best choice for first-time users;
Can be noticeably slower than the competition;
We can't talk about privacy without mentioning the king of private surfing, Tor Browser, an
open-source browser based on Firefox, focused on privacy, and built on the Tor network, with
advanced security features that are sure to protect you from everything.
While maintaining a high level of security, Tor by default blocks all scripts, hides your IP
address, and operates in anonymous browsing mode. Every time you close your browser window, all
information is erased, including your browsing history, passwords used, and cookies. Depending on
your point of view, this can be either a blessing or a curse-you'll have to sacrifice convenience
and simplicity for safe surfing.
In addition, Flash and Quicktime are blocked, so no one will be able to hack your devices using
system vulnerabilities with Tor. On the other hand, this script-blocking procedure can lead to a bit
unstable and slow performance. Also, Tor is by no means a beginner-friendly browser, which can leave
less tech-savvy users at a loss.
Choose one of the safest browsers and surf the web in peace.
While there are many things you can do to keep the Internet secure (such as minimizing the sensitive
information you share, coming up with strong passwords and keeping your software up to date), the
first step should be to choose one of the most secure browsers.
If you don't mind sharing personal information with Google, Google Chrome offers an excellent level
of security and a simple user interface. If you have privacy objections, Mozilla Firefox is your
best bet. And if you're a tech-savvy user looking for a secure browser for Linux, Tor Browser is the
obvious choice.