Now, check these privacy settings on your browser. (iStock)
No matter which browser you choose, you can access the same Internet.
That is, of course, unless you are using Tor to troll the Dark Web. Curious about how to get there and what you will get? Here is the information – use it at your own risk.
Whether it’s the Dark Web or not, ending up on sketchy websites is surprisingly easy. Click on a bad ad or visit a compromised site, and you, your data and your tech could end up in a world of loss. Tap or click here for hints that your computer or phone has been hacked.
Instead of waiting for problems to get in your way, take action. You can choose your browser – Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge – more secure.
Keep your location, microphone or camera to yourself
Most web browsers access your geolocation by your IP address to provide local search results. Your browser may also have direct access to permission to use your device’s built-in camera and microphone.
It’s certainly convenient, but it’s a huge security risk. With the right malicious software, hackers can use that access to their advantage. Limit that possibility by limiting your location, camera, and microphone lim access.
Instead, ask permission every time the browser tries to access.
From your browser, go to Settings Or Choices, And see under Privacy Or Privacy and security. Under Location Or Location services, choose Refuse without asking Or Ask before accessing.
Do the same under Camera marrow and microphone In your privacy settings. To adjust Saf Access you just have to go to your computer settings instead of Safari.
To make things easier, we’ve got step-by-step directions here on my site for Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge.
Open rates above 50%: Find out why people are signing up for Draws. Get my smart bi-weekly newsletter for free. Tap or click here to try out my new ad-free newsletter current.
Pause before automatic downloads begin
Like location services and your camera’s Quick Like, your browser can download something later when you click. Don’t be that person. Automatically opening downloads can cause security issues.
Stop it with the following steps.
Chrome: Click Three-dot menu, Then Settings. Under the heading “Privacy and Security” on the left, select Site settings. Under “Permissions,” click Automatic downloads, And tuggle When a site asks … To change Ongoing.
Firefox: Click Three line menu In the upper right, then select Options. Select the “General” tab and find the “Applications” header. With each of the content types listed, make sure the action is set Always ask To prevent any file type from being saved automatically.
Safari: Open Choices. Below General Click on the tab File download location Drop down menu. choose Ask for each download.
Edge: Click Three dot menu, Then select Settings. See “Downloads”” Section on the left. Set Ask me what to do with each download Toggle Ongoing
Outsmart your smart tech: Yes, your devices are listening. Yes, you can stop it. Tap or click here for 6 ways to stop listening to your tech.
Disable pop-ups and redirects
Pop-ups in websites are a common part of web surfing. But the new windows that spam you with notifications, ads or mysterious links to click are bad news. The same goes for redirects, to send you from a fairly secure site, where you are visiting with more negative motives.
Take control, so none of this happens automatically.
Chrome: Click Three-dot menu, Then Settings. Under the heading “Privacy and Security”, click Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects. Toggle Blocked On.
Firefox: Click Three line menu In the upper right, then select Options. choose
“Privacy and Security” section on the left. Scroll down to “Permission” and check the bx for Block pop-up windows.
Safari: Open Choices and security Tab. Check the checkbox for Block pop-up windows.
Edge: Click Three dot menu, Then select Site permission. choose Pop-ups and redirects And tug Block.
Browse your friend privately
Let’s do one thing directly: using the browser’s private or incognito mode can’t hide everything you do from your ISP, family, employer or school.
Private Windows will not save your browsing history, cookies, site data or form information. They can also place personalized ads that follow you to more revelations on the web.
You can open a private window through your browser’s menu or through a keyboard shortcut.
Chrome: Click Three dot menu, Then select New hidden window. You can also hit CTRL + Shift + N On Windows or Command + shift + n On a Mac.
Firefox: Click Three line menu Up right, then New private window. Or type CTRL + Shift + P On Windows or Command + shift + p On a Mac.
Safari: Click File> New Private Window. Or type command + shift + n.
Edge: Click Three dot menu Up right, then New InPrivate window. You can also hit CTRL + Shift + N On Windows or Command + shift + n On a Mac.
Internal tip: There are some great reasons to use incognito mode, such as buying gifts or avoiding auto-fill suggestions you don’t want to see again. Tap or click here for six uses everyone should try.
Use the latest version
Browser patches and updates include improvements to vulnerabilities in security, vulnerabilities, and other common issues. Like your operating system, you need to make sure your browser is always up to date.
Updates usually happen automatically when you close and reopen your browser. You can check for sure yourself. If you don’t see anything following the steps below, you’re already on the latest version of your browser.
Chrome: Click Three dot icon In the upper right corner. Click Update Google Chrome, Then Relaunch.
Firefox: choose Three line menu Button Help > About Firefox. Firefox checks for updates and will download them automatically. When the download is complete, click Restart to update Firefox.
Safari: Click Apple moment menu, Then App Store. choose Updates To scan your system. Select if an update is available Update Or Update all. You may need to enter and select your Apple Pull ID and password Sign in.
Edge: Click Three dot menu In the upper right corner. choose Help and feedback, Then About MicroSt Edge. Edge will scan for updates and if there is one will be downloaded automatically. Click Resume To finish the process.
Need help? Then whether it’s a question of how or what to buy, use the Commando Q&A forums where trusted marks answer all your tech questions.
What Digital Lifestyle Questions Do You Have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen or watch the Kim Commando show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcast.
Copyright Pirate 2020, Weststar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved to us.
Learn about all the latest technology on the country’s biggest weekly radio talk show, the Kim Commando Show. Kim makes calls and advises on today’s digital lifestyle, ranging from smartphones and tablets to privacy to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletter newsletters and more, visit her website at commando.com.
