Privacy has become a serious concern after the liberation of the internet. Gone are the days when your information was intact on your computer. Thanks to the interconnected nature of today’s world, no data lying on a PC connected to the internet is safe. One of the most prominent sources of information leaks is your browser.
Yes! Your browser is the touchpoint for the entire world to connect with your PC. Sure, connecting to a network gets you online, but the browser allows you to use the internet. All types of data exchanges take place via web browsers. Amid all these data exchanges, the chances of data leaks are extremely high.
In this post, let us try to understand more about browser information leaks. What is it? And how to protect yourself from browser information leaks.
What are Browser Information Leaks?
While interacting with the internet, your browser may give away much information about your PC and connection. Usually, users are fine with this exchange as without this, it may not be possible to use internet services. However, during these information exchange sessions, there is a possibility that your browser leaks that data to a third party.
Data is no less than a currency in the modern age. Hence, so many attackers are waiting for any information to leak so they can collect it and sell it to the highest bidder.
Information such as your IP, your location, your saved passwords, your browsing history, bookmarks, preferred websites, saved credit cards, etc., are all present in your browser. Usually, you would want your browser to guard all of them.
When the browser leaks such information, it is called a browser information leak.
Read Also: 5 Ways to Change IP Address on PC (With or Without VPN)
How to Keep Protect Yourself from Browser Information Leaks?
Now that you know browser information leaks and what type of information is at stake, you may wonder if there are ways to stop them. The answer is YES! You can keep your information safe with proper diligence and enhanced security practices.
Let us take a look at 5 ways that will help you protect your information from browser leaks.
Way #1 – Always Use a Secure Web Browser
It is important to have the best tools to protect your information. You should be fine if you are using the Edge browser integrated with Windows. However, if you are going for a third-party browser, make sure it is a Chromium-based browser. The best example can be Google Chrome.
Way #2 – Ensure the Websites You Visit are HTTPS Secured
When you visit a website, always check the URL bar for the HTTPS prefix. This is a security certificate for the website. It means the website you are visiting is secure and can handle the data exchange without leaking your information. Sure, it is called a browser information leak, but the best your visit also plays a crucial role. Hence, always look for HTTPS when moving to an unknown website.
Way #3 – Use a VPN to Keep Your Information Private
If you are using the internet without any protection, you are inviting snoopers to get their hands on your information. You should use a VPN to keep your personal information intact. This way, the information shared with your browser is protected. How?
Well, a VPN spoofs your IP address, giving away a different server IP to the website that looks for it. Since, during the exchange, the information shared is not exactly your original, you are safe even if the browser leaks.
However, not every VPN can keep your information intact. We recommend you go for Systweak VPN as it offers military-grade encryption and multiple servers.
The best part is that it is super easy to install and use –
Step 1 – Download Systweak VPN from the link below.
Step 2 – Open the VPN client and sign up/sign in with your credentials.
Step 3 – Choose a server to connect and the VPN network will be established.
This way, you can keep your browsing safe and keep yourself from becoming a victim of browser information leaks.
Way #4 – Avoid Installing Unknown Extensions
Another source of information leaks in browsers is the extensions that you use. Not all browser plug-ins and extensions are safe to use. Sure, they may add to the convenience of your user experience. However, some of these extensions are designed to yield data from your browser. Hence, it is advised that you remove any untrustworthy extensions from your PC.
To do so, you can navigate to your browser’s settings and look up extensions and plug-ins. In case you are using Google Chrome, follow these steps –
Step 1 – Go to the quick access menu via the three-dot button in the top right.
Step 2 – Navigate to the Extensions and click on Manage Extensions.
Step 3 – Check all the extensions installed on your browser and remove the unnecessary or unreliable ones.
The best tip here is not to allow any website to install extensions to your browser, as it is often a way to access your data.
Way #5 – Keep Pop-Ups & Redirects Blocked
In case you visit websites that keep redirecting or keep giving you random ads in pop-ups, it is recommended that you turn them off on your browser. You do have an option in Google Chrome that allows you to avoid unnecessary redirects and pop-ups. Here’s how you enable it –
Step 1 – Go to Settings on your browser.
Step 2 – Click on the Privacy & Security tab from the left pane.
Step 3 – Click on Site Settings from the available options.
Step 4 – In Site Settings, scroll down to find Pop-Ups and Redirect settings.
Step 5 – Enter the settings and click “Don’t allow…”
Once you have implemented all 5 practices, you can be protected from browser information leaks. However, there’s always a chance of getting your data out in the wrong place. So ensure your network is safe and avoid clicking on unknown files.
Keep updated with the latest safety measures and protect yourself from browser information leaks. Hope these tips help you out. Stay safe, stay secure. Good luck!
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