How Do Your Choose Your Internet Browser and Software for Better Computer and Privacy Security?

In the past, computer security experts regarded operating systems as the “Achilles’ heel” of computer security. More recently, some experts have come to regard commonly installed software programs as the greater threat to security.

Your internet browser. Many people regard the Mozilla Firefox browser as superior to other browsers. One advantage of Firefox is that it is an “open source” program. This allows security professionals to become involved in fixing bugs and building stronger security features. Another important advantage of Firefox is its so-called Add-Ons, which can be used to strengthen Firefox’s built-in security and privacy features. Three Firefox Add-Ons that we recommend are NoScript, Better Privacy, and HTTPS Everywhere.


NoScript. When you install NoScript, executable contents or "scripts" such as JavaScript, Java, Flash, Silverlight and others, are blocked by default. You can allow these scripts to run on a site that you trust (for example, your bank) through a simple mouse click. You can "whitelist" or authorize scripts for a particular session or permanently if you trust a website.

NoScript helps protect against so-called “drive-by downloads” where simply visiting a particular website can cause malware to be downloaded and executed on your computer. Criminals can use programming flaws in browsers to get malware onto your computer via a “drive-by download” without you ever noticing. For example, this can occur when visiting a legitimate site that happens to unwittingly host an advertisement containing malware.

Better Privacy. Some websites utilize a type of cookie called a "flash cookie" (sometimes known as a "supercookie") that is difficult to detect and may compromise your privacy. Normal procedures for erasing standard cookies, clearing history, erasing the cache, or choosing a "delete private data" option within the browser will not affect flash cookies. Flash cookies thus may persist despite user efforts to delete all cookies. The Firefox Add-On Better Privacy can assist in deleting flash cookies.

HTTPS Everywhere. HTTPS Everywhere encrypts connections to over 1,000 popular websites. Without HTTPS, your online activities are vulnerable to eavesdropping and your accounts are vulnerable to hijacking. HTTPS Everywhere makes it easier for you to keep your user names, passwords, and browsing histories private.

No matter which browser you use, it's important that you update it as newer versions come out which address security vulnerabilities. The Firefox browser will automatically deliver updates on a fairly frequent schedule, typically every few weeks. Other browsers may not update as frequently and may not update automatically.

Your portable document reader. Most people use Adobe Reader to read and print portable documents (.pdf files), such as forms and publications. Like Internet Explorer, the Adobe Reader is extremely popular, so it has become a target for the bad guys. Adobe tends to be slow in patching security vulnerabilities. Many security experts believe that you are safer using alternative document readers.

Adobe Flash Player. Most computer users have Adobe’s Flash Player installed. In many cases, users are running an older version of Flash Player that may contain numerous security vulnerabilities. Be sure that you set your Flash Player to update automatically.

Java. If your computer has Java installed, the Department of Homeland Security has recommended that you disable it. It's unlikely that a typical computer user will ever need to use Java. Java has been responsible for a large number of malware attacks on the computers of unsuspecting users. You can disable Java easily.

Be cautious when downloading software. Unwanted software may infect your computer if you don't take care when downloading a new program. Be sure to obtain software from legitimate sources and watch for "bundling" of additional unwanted programs with legitimate software.