Boosting your Google Chrome Security

A while ago, Google’s flagship browser, Chrome, launched a software update that clears up a cybersecurity loophole. Studies made by a tech expert revealed that the software bug could potentially allow hackers to bypass Chrome’s security checks. This way, hackers could attempt to introduce hostile code into a Chrome user’s CPU.

A software loophole is a surefire way to have your privacy breached. However, there are several mechanisms through which your data can get compromised. For one, taking a simple action such as browsing the internet can spill sensitive data about you.

How much do Websites know about you?

Whenever you connect to the internet and visit a website, a lot of data such as device model, IP address, and browser extensions are divulged to the website. Internet surfers have information about them submitted to different websites. The bad part is these websites love to sell your data, giving your information in the hands of corporations or hackers.

To prevent this, you’ll need to secure your Chrome browser.

Improving Google Chrome Cybersecurity on your Computer

1.       Use Google Chrome’s Security Settings

Chrome has a lot of settings that can help boost your cybersecurity. There is a ‘Privacy and Security’ section where you can enable or disable different security settings. First, head over to ‘Settings’ by clicking the three vertical dots at the top right-hand corner of the browser.

Scroll down and you’ll see ‘Privacy and Security’. Enable ‘Safe Browsing’ mode. This protects your Chrome browser from accessing malicious websites where malware can get downloaded on your system. These websites are blacklisted on Google. Hence, you get a warning when you try to access them.

You can also enable the ‘Do not track’ mode. This option prevents websites from collecting any form of data about you.

2.       Activate Incognito Mode

Incognito mode is Google’s way of boosting privacy while using Chrome. If you activate the incognito mode, you’d be surfing the internet without information like your passwords, history, and cookies being saved. What’s more, information about your surfing session gets deleted once you exit the browser.

You can enable Google Chrome’s incognito mode by clicking on the three vertical dots at the top right-hand corner of the browser and selecting the ‘New incognito window’. You can also use a keyboard shortcut by holding the ‘Shift’, ‘Control’, and ‘N’ after opening Chrome. For Mac users, press ‘Shift’, ‘Command’, and ‘N’.

3.       Add a VPN Security Extension

A Google Chrome VPN add-on is a tool that ensures your anonymity when surfing the internet. When you use a Virtual Private Network, your online activity gets hidden from the government, advertisers, hackers, and even your Internet Service Provider.

A VPN provides security also for when you’re connected to hacked public Wi-Fi, ensuring that the cybercriminals would not be able to spy on your device activity. This is because a VPN encrypts your information by creating a tunnel between your device and the network or websites you’re connected to.

VPNs offer connections to several servers across the world, ensuring you browse the internet with a spoofed IP address and location. Gamers and movie enthusiasts frequently use VPNs because it allows them to access geo-restricted content and websites.

As an added benefit, a VPN can be used to get lower prices for online products and services, allowing you to escape dynamic pricing.

4.       Utilize a Password Manager

A strong password consists of at least 8 characters mixed with numbers, upper and lower case letters, and symbols. Using different strong passwords for varying accounts is also a great cybersecurity practice. However, it could become quite hard to remember a password associated with an account.

You can use a password manager that will auto-fill your passwords for you, create a strong new password when you get stuck trying to form a password, and store all your passcodes in one place.

Wrapping Things Up

Your internet privacy is non-negotiable; only you should have access to your data. A lot of websites get their revenue from selling data or using the information to advertise products and services to you. If you feel your privacy is being breached, you can take certain steps.

You can use a VPN extension, a password manager, and activate incognito mode when surfing the internet.

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