Browser Security

Sonya Palmer
Medical Library, INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK

It is important to review the security of a browser as it is one of the most used tools on a computer. Often the default settings of a newly loaded browser are not configured with safety as a top priority; therefore there are many factors to consider when evaluating the security of a browser.

Some features that make a browser more vulnerable:

• ActiveX
• Java
• Plug Ins
• Cookies
• Scripting
• Pop Up Windows

Threats to a browser:

• Spyware
• Viruses
• Malicious web sites
• Take over of a computer
• Phishing

Tips to make a browser more secure:

• Keep the browser up to date with new releases
• Use and keep up to date antivirus, antispyware and other security software
• Employ safe practices when using the web
• Only activate features of the browser that are absolutely necessary

Some of more popular browsers are Microsoft's Internet Explorer (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/Internet-explorer/default.aspx), Mozilla's Firefox (www.mozilla.com/firefox/), and Apple's Safari (www.apple.com/safari/). Each browser has procedures to modify security settings, so visit the browser’s web site for complete instructions.

Page last updated: 6/2/2009

NOTE: Questions or comments about the contents of this article should be addressed to the author, Sonya Palmer, at sonya.palmer@integris-health.com