Browser security: Surf the net securely

How to apply internet browser security: 5 basic recommendations

• When choosing a browser, make sure that it is equipped with security updates and sandbox technology.
• Refrain, as far as possible, from using active content such as Java.
• If you cannot do without active content, generally switch it off and only activate it on trusted sites.
• Most common browsers have integrated phishing and malware protection. Make sure that this it is activated.
• Data protection is also important: In every common browser, you can adjust settings such as cookies or tracking manually. This way you leave fewer data traces on the internet.

Additional tip: Add-ons for more browser security

• There are browser add-ons, which can additionally strengthen the security of your browser.
• The extension "HTTPS Everywhere" ensures that only securely encrypted content is loaded.
• All data transfer to Facebook can be blocked with "Disconnect for Facebook".
• The "Click & Clean" add-on removes all traces of your Internet visits in the form of cookies, cache, passwords or form data.
• The "Privacy Badger" also provides more anonymity when surfing the web and blocks advertising banners.

Browser security through virtualization

However, the measures described above only provide a minimum level of protection for the users of a browser. One browser security tool is concept of virtualization provides real protection. This is a "digital" quarantine in the figurative sense: malware is isolated before the browser is able to execute it. Instead of detecting malicious code - as is the case with antivirus programs – virtualization prevents execution right from the start. All potentially dangerous activities are isolated in a closed virtual browser.

Micro- vs. full virtualization

There are two types of virtualization: full and micro virtualization. While micro-virtualization is cheaper and requires less storage space, full virtualization offers better protection. Keep on reading and learn more about the differences of virtualization and what its advantages and disadvantages are.

Micro-virtualization: browser security with possible gaps

With so-called micro-virtualization, a certain operating system - usually Windows - runs on the computer. This is where the central problems of micro-virtualization lie:

• Micro-virtualization is not based on a separate operating system. Instead, it is interlocked with the existing operating system.
• All activities take place in the same kernel.
• The same Windows programs are used. The host system shares at least one kernel and optionally many other components.

Conclusion: Thus, micro-virtualization is less expensive than full virtualization and requires less memory on the computer. However, it leaves security gaps open. If the kernel is infected with malware, this also applies to all micro-virtual machines. AND: Almost 90 % of all attacks are Windows-based.