Business Security Information

If you have not already heard, in mid-January Internet Explorer was under attack by the same attack method that was used by the Chinese to break into Google’s network.  Since then, a number of security researchers, security companies ,and even some governments have recommended that computer users switch to other web browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, Opera and Safari.  Currently, it appears the attack code is mainly geared towards IE (Internet Explorer) 6 and possible IE 7 so businesses that are still using IE 6 should change to another web browser or at least upgrade to IE 8.

Security Features of Web Browsers

IE 8 has some additional security features that older versions of IE do not have.  One of those features that Microsoft added to IE 8 was a feature to protect users against phishing attacks and other web-based attacks.  Also, a private browsing feature was added which allows the user to visit sites without storing browsing history, temporary internet files, cookies, passwords etc.  This would be a useful feature for employees that are on the road and connect to the internet or the company’s network using a variety of network connections.  Actually, this would also be a good feature for those that use their home computer to connect to the company’s network.

The Chrome browser has also added some new security features recently which are very similar to features on IE 8 and Firefox.  These include an X-Frame feature that defends against clickjacking, and a cross-site scripting filter which again is very similar to IE 8 and Firefox security features.

What Web Browser do I use?

I am not an IE fan and actually don’t use it at all other than on rare occasions when I run across a website that does not support any browser other than IE.  Unfortunately, this occurs on more websites than I would ever expect.  My recommendation is to switch to either Firefox, Opera or Safari web browser.  If you really like IE and don’t want to change, at least upgrade to IE 8.

I have used all of these browsers at one time or another, and they are all what I would consider good browsers, but you may have issues with certain websites or web applications that only support one or two of these browsers.  Check the sites you use a lot such as banking, health insurance, vendors, suppliers and other sites you use all the time to make sure that the web browser you choose is supported by their site or web application.  Also, understand that any of these web browsers can and have had security issues so none of them will provide one hundred percent security.  No matter what web browser you choose to use, keep it updated as new security patches and upgrades come out.

Web Browser Resources

Firefox Browser

Good for Windows, Linux and Mac

Opera Browser

Good for Windows, Linux and Mac

Chrome Browser

Good for Windows, Linux and Mac

Safari Browser

Good for Windows and Mac

Related posts:

1. cPanel CSRF Security
2. Is It Time To Change Web Browsers?
3. Flaws In SSL Encryption?