Browser Options

Are we overdoing personal security in our day to day uses of computers -- especially when we are going online?

I notice that I have developed strange behavior after visiting secure sites, buying something online, or going to a website where I needed to enter a username and password to gain access. When I am done, I log out. But, before going to another website, I shut down the browser and then restart before visiting another website.

This level of browsing paranoia stems from the fear that if I jump from one website to another, there is a risk my username and password or other information could be grabbed by the second site.

It does not matter if I am using MSIE, Firefox or Opera. My behavior is the same. Incidentally, I use Opera more often now that it has dropped ads. My behavior is the same. Incidentally, I use Opera more often now that it has dropped ads. See Opera On My Laptop.

The thing about my odd browsing behavior is that it is based on the idea that a malicious website could get user names and passwords for my previous session. I feel like I have read about that a thousand times. However, the next site is almost always from my list of favorites. Unless there has been a change of ownership or the site has been hacked, I believe those sites can be trusted. After all, I have accounts at some.

Make Sure Browsers Are Fully Patched

Unfortunately, that statement reinforces the fact that we must make sure that our browsers are fully patched at all times. Many high profile sites have been hacked and many tricks used by criminal minds to divert us to the dark corners of the web. I try to be careful to use the latest, fully patched version of each browser at all times. Especially MSIE.

At the same time, I mostly browse the internet from a computer using the Windows XP operating system. The installed firewall is turned on. All listening ports are closed. This is the default on new versions of windows. But, if you are reinstalling an old version, make sure you are not connected to the internet until after you turn the firewall on and block all ports.

Post Install Security

When I installed windows, I visited the Gibson Research Corporation website and ran three important programs: http://www.grc.com/unpnp/unpnp.htm">Unplug 'n Pray, DECOMbobulator, and Shoot The Messenger. These steps created a baseline for security on my system. These post-install routines are easy to do. Take only a few minutes. And eliminate a host of potential worries.

For a second line of defense, I would recommend SpyWareBlaster by from Javacool Software. The program tweaks some internal Internet Explorer settings to block the installation of known spyware (and similar threats) installers.

However, even with this layered approach to security I still close my browser when I am switching from secure to insecure sites -- especially after buying something online!

About the author: Brian Clancey is a journalist, programmer and web developer who has been building websites since 1995. Websites managed by his company include the 10-Minute-Rule, offering articles and reviews about computers, technology and software.