Web browsers are the platforms that enable internet access for all of us. They allow us to modify settings and configurations to make the online experience better, smoother, and more personalized. There are several browsers on the market, each one with strengths, weaknesses, and public perceptions that change depending on who you ask.
It is clear that at least today, the internet’s most famous web browser is Google Chrome. It is administrated by online giants Google, and it is widely used in several countries and societies. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Chrome is the most secure browser.
Most of the Regularly Used Browsers Can’t be Considered Secure
In fact, Google Chrome, despite all of its functionalities and features (it is, indeed, an excellent choice) is not nearly close to the top of the most secure browser’s list. By now, the industry knows that Google tracks people’s online traffic and activity to offer a more personalized experience.
While a sizable community likes Google Chrome because it can almost “predict” search results and ads, another good portion thinks that what the enterprise does is a distasteful privacy breach that should be avoided.
Sadly, Google Chrome is not the only browser that faces allegations of traffic snooping and spying. Microsoft Edge and Safari perform similar activities, undermining people’s privacy and the right to browse the web anonymously in the process.
However, one thing should be noted: being safe is not necessarily the same as being private. While the browsers above are known for their invasive privacy practices, they are secure in the sense that they are not easy to hack and can endure website exploits.
Use a VPN for Enhanced Security and Privacy
In any case, if you want to enjoy secure and private web browsing, streaming, or even torrenting, there are tools available online that can help you. The most efficient of them all is implementing a Virtual Private Network (VPN.)
VPNs are online encryption resources that can protect people’s content by building a virtual tunnel for it to pass safely. That way, it will avoid hackers, malware developers, online advertisers, governmental surveillance and law enforcement agencies, and other external agents.
One of the things that remain hidden from the external world under a VPN is the user’s IP address, which functions as its online identity. It means that the person using the Virtual Private Network will be anonymous online, enhancing privacy and security.
If your favorite browser isn’t secure enough, you can implement a VPN like IPBurger to give you peace of mind. IPBurger is a reputed brand with a track record of handling people’s data privacy and anonymity responsibly.
Our List for the Most Secure Web Browsers
Our List for the Most Secure Web BrowsersTor: The Onion Router (TOR) uses a network of nodes to encrypt the user’s shared content online and protect it from anybody looking to have a hold of it. It is an open source project that is somewhat as a hardened version of Firefox.
Tor can beat browser fingerprinting and is also frequently patched to combat security issues so that it can be considered arguably the most secure browser around. The problem with Tor is that it is painfully slow and makes specific activities, such as streaming, nearly impossible to perform.
Among Tor’s main security features we can find the HTTPS Everywhere and NoScript plugins, the implementation of Disconnect.me as the default search engine, and the ability to block plugins like QuickTime, RealPlayer, and Flash.
The Private Browsing mode is fantastic, as it protects the user from tracking and it keeps no browsing history, passwords, search history, cookies or cache content.
Firefox: It is one of the few mainstream browsers that can be considered secure. It is an open source project managed by the Mozilla Foundation. It is full of features and privacy add-ons that enhance privacy and is also frequently updated to remove possible security vulnerabilities.
Firefox has built-in tracking protection, and its code has been thoroughly audited. Also, there is built-in protection against canvas fingerprinting coming soon. The Firefox browser doesn’t track user activity to offer personalized advertising.
Comodo Dragon / Ice Dragon: The Comodo brand has two browsers, one for Chromium, which is the Dragon, and the other for Firefox, which is the Ice Dragon. It can let users select secure DNS servers to enhance privacy and online security. It also has a “virtualized mode,” made to isolate itself from the host system.
Freenet: It is a peer-to-peer based platform that offers users the ability to publish content with no censorship, as well as anonymous web surfing. It functions by saving encrypted data in a decentralized and distributed setup.
The Invisible Internet Project (I2P): It also fosters anonymous browsing via a safe exchange of messages. It uses DarkNet technology to avoid third parties and external agents to track content online.
Other secure browsers:
- Waterfox
- Brave
- Pale Moon
- Firefox Focus
- Yandex Browser
In conclusion, internet security threats shouldn’t be overlooked. Using it comes with added risk, since most web browsers come with possible vulnerabilities or, worse yet, keep and share logs of data and activity.
To reduce security and privacy risks, either use a reputed VPN brand such as IPBurger VPN or introduce some new, secure browsers in your online experience.
