![]() NordVPN (despite a recent security breach) is a popular option. The best security practice is to avoid these altogether for those of us for whom this may not be practical, using a virtual private network (VPN) is a good alternative means of avoiding accidentally transmitting sensitive or personal data in the open. The most basic network safety involves the use of public and unsecured WiFi networks. If you use Windows, AdGuard, Mirinsoft’s SharpApp, O&O’s ShutUp10, and W10Privacy are all useful tools for blocking the user tracking and data collection that Microsoft has built into the operating system. Running regular scans can be good for peace of mind. However, this is something you may be able to avoid using through good computing hygiene. Better Blocker (for MacOS) and AdGuard (multi-OS) are system-level solutions that protect your entire device.įor protection against malware, which may not trigger antivirus protection, Malwarebytes is invaluable. Protection beyond the antivirus/security suiteīrowser-based ad-blocking software only protects you from advertising networks within your browser. Mobile devices, like phones and tablets, tend to handle these updates (or lack thereof) in the same way that they handle OS updates. I tend to check change logs for new updates for security and bug fixes often, updates will just add new devices to the list of supported configurations. Frequent advice on other drivers is to keep them as is, unless something stops working. It’s also a good idea to watch for updates to the chipset driver and related software for the same reasons. In general, the BIOS/UEFI should be kept updated, as updates are often issued in response to potentially highly damaging security threats these updates can usually be found on the device manufacturer’s website. Device-level Protection Driver and UEFI/BIOS updatesĭevice drivers and the UEFI/ BIOS provide essential functionality to your device. ![]() Both are extremely powerful tools that move a bit beyond the typical ad-blocking range of functionality. Adblock Plus and Ghostery are also pretty good options: both are a bit easier to use, but engage with advertisers in different ways.(1)Īdvanced users may look to NoScript on Firefox or uMatrix on Chromium-based browsers. uBlock Origin ( Firefox, Chromium, Edge) is the best all-around option. You can always enable advertising on specific websites if you want to support them. An ad blocker will block website scripts associated with advertising networks (or anything else you tell it to block). Probably the most important of these is an ad blocker, which will usually provide more power and functionality than the versions built into some browsers. Extending your browser for more security and privacyįirefox and Chrome-based browsers have large libraries of extensions, or small programs that enhance the browser’s built-in functionality. A little online searching can lead you to useful guidance for setting these options. Enable automatic updating, disable password and form-data saving, and minimize stored browsing history and third-party cookies. Whichever browser (or browsers) you choose to use, take some time to go through the privacy and security settings. All three have built-in options to disable tracking components and advertising networks, although in most cases you’ll need to enable these capabilities yourself. Firefox has been positioned as another privacy-focused alternative to Google Chrome, but runs on a different engine. ![]() For example, Opera and Vivaldi are two (of several) options that rely on the open-source Chromium engine that powers Chrome, but without those built-in Google trackers. ![]() Browser choiceĬhrome may be the most popular browser out there, but other options provide superior privacy, keeping Google from watching your every online move. However, tracking of your browsing activities, as Google Chrome does, presents a threat to privacy (and potentially security). Hardening Your Browserīecause everyone uses a browser, these pieces of software can present a significant security risk if they’re not kept updated. As a companion to my brief overview, this post focuses on browser and networking considerations. ![]()
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