Secure Your Browser

A Web browser is one of the most frequently used software components on your PC. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to practice good Web browser security. As a general rule, most Web browsers that accompany your PC's operating system come without the security features set up. It is left to the user to set up the configuration to create a secure Web surfing environment.

Failing to secure your Web browser can encourage unscrupulous hackers to easily take control of your PC. By not securing your Web browser, you are opening up your PC to spyware and adware programs, viruses, and other attacks with malicious intent.

About Vulnerable Web Browsers

Most Web browser software comes pre-installed on your PC's operating system. The common Web browsers are Internet Explorer, Apple Safari, and Mozilla Firefox. The fact that there are three popular types make it easier for hackers to focus on vulnerabilities and then exploit them with malicious software attacks.

Malicious attacks take advantage of the following:

A lot of Web surfers neglect to configure their Web browser security settings or do not understand how to do this.
Many users view enabling and disabling certain functions as a hassle so they do not take these security measures.
The average Web surfer clicks on ads and links without thinking about the reputation of the website or the consequences of their clicking habits.
Web browser users tend to concentrate on all of the advantages that are highlighted by the Web browser creator and do not consider what effect these improvements have on the overall security.
New PCs with Web browsers pre-installed usually contain other types of software bundled together. Although the software seems like a good deal, the PC user does not realize that the additional software increases the vulnerabilities to attacks.
Many websites encourage the download of added tools to enhance the browsing experience such as Plug-Ins, Java, ActiveX, and other related software. While these tools enhance the browsing experience, they also increase the vulnerability of your Web browser.
New vulnerabilities are always discovered once a Web browser has been released to the public. Until there is an upgrade to counteract the problem, the Web browser is vulnerable and open to software attack.

These are only a few reasons why you should secure your Web browser. The process of configuring your browser security features is rather simple to accomplish and well worth the investment of a few minutes of your time.

Due to the explosion of the Internet, attacking the vulnerabilities in Web browsers has become one of the most popular ways for intruders to take over your computer, steal your identity and passwords, spy on your surfing habits, and in the worst cases, destroy your computer altogether.

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Identity theft comes in many forms.

A person\92s identity can be 'borrowed' for the purpose of creating fictional credit cards or a person\92s entire identity can be usurped to the point where they can have difficulty proving that they really are who they claim to be.

Up to 18% of identity theft victims take as long as four years to realize that their identity has been stolen.

There are many ways to protect your personal identity and many steps you can take to prevent your identity from being stolen:

*Never give out unnecessary personal information
*Never provide bank details or social security numbers over the Internet
*Always remain aware of who is standing behind you when you type in your personal credit codes at ATM machines and at supermarket checkout swipe machines.