Most web browsers access your geographic location using your IP address to provide local search results. Your browser may also have permission to use your device’s built-in camera and microphone. It is certainly convenient, but it is a big security risk.
Here is a list of browser security settings that you need to check now.
Browser cookies, extensions and software bugs can slow your Internet connection down to a crawl. Use these proven tricks to speed up Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge.
A browser is your gateway to the web and cybercriminals looking to take advantage of you. If you’re ready to switch to a more privacy-focused browser or see if yours makes it onto my list, read on.
Best general browser for privacy: Brave
If you’re fed up with trackers, ads and pieces of code hungry for data that follow you over the Internet, Brave is the browser for you. Brave’s servers do not see or store your browsing data, so they remain private until you delete them. This means that your information is never packaged and sold to advertisers.
The default browser settings block harmful junk, such as malware, phishing and advertising, and malicious plug-ins that can harm your computer.
Advertising and trackers are blocked by default. Because of everything it stops, Brave says it is three times faster than Chrome overall and loads major sites up to six times faster than its competitors.
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Brave is free to use, but you can activate Brave Rewards to return the sites you visit most. Once activated, ads that “respect privacy” will appear to support the content you see. Your browsing history remains private.
And the user experience? It runs on the Chromium source code, which powers Google Chrome, so it will probably look familiar.
Download Brave for free here. It is also available as an application on Apple and Android devices.
Best browser for customizable privacy: Firefox
Mozilla’s Firefox calls itself a fast browser that “doesn’t deliver”. Detecting a theme here? Firefox collects little data and you don’t even have to provide your email address to download it.
It also blocks trackers by default, so you don’t have any settings to change.
Customization features make Firefox stand out. You can use global protection levels, such as “Strict” or “Standard”, or follow the custom route. You can choose precisely which trackers and scripts Firefox blocks to get the experience you want.
When it comes to privacy, it has many features: an integrated password manager, alerts for breached websites, private browsing mode and secure forms auto-completion.
Firefox is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux and smartphones to facilitate syncing across all your devices. Do a test with Firefox on your computer by clicking here. Or click to download to Apple or Android.
RELATED PRIVACY CORRECTION: How to delete cookies from your phone
Best browser for maximum security: Tor
If you are extremely focused on security, you probably already use a virtual private network or VPN. Want even more anonymity? Turn to Tor. This name started as an acronym for “The Onion Router” and is popular with computer-savvy circles.
Tor performs his connection through several servers around the world before reaching his destination. Your data is encrypted between each “node”, adding layers of protection – hence the onion logo.
Tor has been used for illegal online activities, but the software itself is perfectly legal and should pose no problem. It is usually the route to the Dark Web. You can read about how to access it and what you will find.
Tor runs on a modified version of the Firefox browser. You can download Tor here.
Best browser for privacy on Mac: Safari
Many people use the browser that comes with their computer for convenience. If you have a Mac, this is a good thing. Safari blocks cross-site tracking that allows you to enjoy the sites you use the most without worrying about being followed.
Safari uses Google as its default search browser, which blocks malicious websites and protects you from malware and phishing scams. It blocks pop-ups as well.
Safari’s built-in password manager (Keychain) lets you know if a website you saved was involved in a data breach and helps you change your password. Download Safari here, directly from Apple.
Alternative option: Microsoft Edge
Microsoft said this to Internet Explorer a long time ago, and the new Edge is a robust browser with many built-in privacy features. It also runs on Chromium and looks a lot like Google Chrome.
Edge offers protection against trackers and blocks ad providers from monitoring your activity and learning more about you.
Choose your preferred level of restriction from three settings and you can decide which sites to block or not, case by case. Want to know what Edge is blocking for a particular website? Click the lock icon to the left of the URL and click Trackers for a list.
Edge’s built-in Password Monitor will alert you if you visit a compromised website and ask you to change your password to a more secure one. You can create your own password or use a suggested password.
If you are running Windows, here are five tips to make you a professional. You probably have Edge installed on your computer. If not, tap or click here to download.
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Learn about all the latest technologies at The Kim Komando Show, the country’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and gives advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit their website at Komando.com.