Avoiding dangerous web browser security threats: An efficient guide
With the rise of the internet in the recent era, the accessibility to these pieces of software technology has also been an important factor. The very common and popular software invention which enables every common person to access the internet is the Web browser.
A web browser allows one to explore the wide world of the internet with user-friendly features and efficient user experience.
But even if these browsers are of great use to the people, the threat of losing security always hovers above this dynamic. Web browsers are generally more inclined towards affecting themselves with security threats. Even when the user is accessing the internet through it, it carries with it the probability of malware and many other breaches.
In this blog, let’s discuss some of the most talked-about browser security threats. We will also look into different ways to protect the software from them.
Let’s start!
Removal of Saved Login Credentials
We know that it is a user-friendly feature but when you log in to any website and bookmark it, your credentials get saved. This is not good for your system. Any novice hacker can hack it.
Well, some websites avoid this by using a two-factor validation. Sending a text with OTP before giving access is one of the methods of this type.
But many others don’t. Many of them use this approach as a one-time code to confirm the person’s identity on the system which it is being connected from.
Also, it is not healthy for the browser and the whole system to delete the pre-saved credentials. Any hacker or criminal on the web can reset the important data from every website you visit like your important IDs, profiles, etc. It is not a one-time thing. They can execute such crimes anywhere anytime. And once, they get your credentials, they can illegally operate your account from any device and system of their convenience.
Browser history permissions
This is like a map of all your activities on the internet by that browser through time. It’s not just the basics. It also saves the information about what sites did you visit and for how much time did you do it.
When a cyber criminal gets access to your browsing history, He/she can easily steal your other important credentials and commit some serious crimes. Hence, Browser history can become a source of leakage.
Cookies
One of the other commonly discussed security breach possibilities is Cookies. They comprise of local files and decide the link to various files. The threat here is similar to Browsing history, the attackers can trace your activities and gain important data like credentials.
Browser Cache
The cache of a browser comprises of various storage sections of web pages. This is the element that makes the loading and accessing the websites much easier and quicker.
These can also detect the name of the site you visited and what is the content that you have looked for. It automatically saves your device discovery and location. This makes it a risky affair as the vultures of the internet can locate you in such a case.
Auto fill Information
The auto fill feature can be a prominent threat to your browser. Many browsers including Mozilla’s Firefox and Google’s Chrome, save the information you put in like Profiles, Address Info, and other personal data.
Again, this is most convenient to you as a user but it can be harmful as the hackers can get access to the auto fill information.
Tips and Tricks to save trouble from these dangerous threats
1. Saved Login Credentials
Well, not saving the important credentials on any browser is a suitable solution for such cases. Using password managing software like KeePass or Password Safe is a recommended option.
These password managers work more securely as they have a main central password to operate others.
One can also plan and use the password manager to access the previously saved URL or login as per your comfort and other security-related reasons.
2. Removable Browsing History
Well, let’s accept it. We all have deleted the browsing history at some point in our life. Whatever may be the reason, it is aid that it is a good practice to clear your browsing history for security reasons. Activities like online banking can be done safely in this way. The deleting can be done manually or you can also change the settings to automated where it deletes the history when you close the browser.
In another confrontation, we all have used incognito mode to search something which we don’t want anyone to know about. This is also a good practice in general as it ensures the security of the credentials.
Note that when you are using a public internet system, ensure that you are doing it in incognito mode.
3. Disable Cookies
There is always an option of disabling cookies when you open any website. Always opt for that option whenever possible. Here, we are saying whenever possible because it’s not always possible to turn them off as you might get limited access to various features of the site.
When you disable the cookies, it might result in troublesome prompts. Get rid of the cookies regularly as it will protect your browser. But be prepared for the side effects as the website might repeat some information which is being displayed.
4. Reduce Browser Cache by using Incognito Mode
As suggested earlier, Incognito browsing always helps in keeping your credentials from the cyber criminals. Clearing the cache as per the requirement here is a small but protective step.
5. Look for Standard Java Configuration
A widely-known computer language, Java is mainly used in windows to write codes. The design of this language is such that the applets in it are made to run in a different ‘sandbox’ environment. This helps in avoiding hem from other OS component access and Apps.
However, many times, these threats sometimes provoke the applets to leak the sandbox environment resulting in harming.
Choose a proper Java security configuration according to your PC and the browser. Deploy these through the main master source. Like Group Policy.
6. No Single Point of Management
Centralization throughout the system is recommended. One must work for a system that has a primary and solitary goal and unified management surrounding it to achieve that goal.
Usage of Dynamic Directory Group Policies can also be done for such settings and there are outsider choices available also.
Also, you won’t prefer to allow clients to destroy important settings for comfort. Also, you won’t like to need to bear certain rules and guidelines for them for arranging other alternatives. Frankly, you won’t get to 100% consistency and your association’s security on the respective manifesto is at stake.
7. Third-Party Plugins or Extensions
Many a time, Browsers are attached with third-party extensions or plugins which are there to carry various tasks in the workflow. Like Flash or JavaScript, etc.
Well, the above-mentioned extensions are safe and secure but it can’t be said about all other such extensions. In such threatening cases, only business-related plugins and extensions are to be allowed for a primary element in the workflow, like the Internet or email usage.
Explore various angles to square unwanted plugins or whitelist fitting plugins. This process generally depends upon the browsers which are being used.
Byways of concentrated components, Guarantee modules are organized to send new forms. This can also be used to arrange the Auto-fresh feature. E.g. Active Directory Group Policy or System Centre Configuration Manager.
8. Ads Popping up and Redirects
We all have been tackling this in our digital lives. Many websites we use in a day contain Pop-up ads which is an annoying thing for every one of us.
It’s a constant trap of false notices like asserting that the PC has a virus and selling their antivirus product to clear it. This is a fake click-bait thing and it is to be ignored. But there also lies a problem. Many a time, the close symbol is unavailable and one wonders how to get out of the problem.
The best way to get out of this situation is to close the system entirely and open the task manager by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del. And then, just close the application.
After this escaping step, don’t go back on the site in question and run an anti-malware sweep to know if your framework is fine as popup promotion is normally shown by malware.
Conclusion
The things which we discussed above are the regular annoying breaches we face in our day to day technological life. We all face these problems but we never actively act on them. We don’t even know how many of them work against us and in what ways it might harm us. It’s better to know about all of these issues and take them according to action on them before something severe happens.
Identity theft and similar crimes are on a constant rise nowadays and we should take action on them right away.
How VTEST can help
The discussion about security threats and breaches has only one proper solution and it is Security testing. We at VTEST know it and have the perfect infrastructure and Human resources to tackle this issue in your software.
Valuing the client’s security, VTEST works in a safe environment and ensures the client a secure and safe testing experience.
Originally published at https://www.vtestcorp.com on September 21, 2020.
