Internet Tips - Browser Privacy

Web browsers have evolved into highly customizable software platforms capable of controlling and protecting much of the information that flows between you and the parties you interact with online. Modern browsers have an impressive array of privacy enhancing capabilities and options. They can, for example, warn you before you visit suspicious or fraudulent websites and can also allow you to surf the web without downloading tracking files like cookies* to your computer.  Also, most browsers can inform you when a website uses SSL, a security measure that encrypts your data. When a website uses SSL a browser may indicate this to you by displaying a padlock icon (typically located on the bottom bar of your browser) or by highlighting the website's name in the address bar in green. Click on the padlock icon or the green-highlighted name in the address bar to view more information about the website's encryption and certification.

*Cookies are small files stored on your computer by websites that you visit and applications you use online that record your preferences or browsing activity. These files can be used to perform a number of actions, like allowing a website to automatically populate a log-in box with your information when you return or enabling online advertising networks to show you advertisements tailored to your perceived interests. It’s important to understand that browser based privacy controls typically do not affect a specific type of tracking technology known as “Flash cookies” (based on Adobe’s flash technology), whose privacy controls are accessible on Adobe’s website here.

Internet Explorer - 60%

Firefox - 24%

Chrome - 7%

Safari - 5%

Other - 4%

Browser Market Share

If you use one of the browsers listed above make sure that you have updated it to ensure that it’s the most recent version so you can take full advantage of the privacy features noted in the browser privacy guidelines below:

Internet Explorer:
Microsoft’s browser offers phishing filters, private browsing mode and more. Read more about Internet Explorer’s privacy features here.

Firefox:
The Mozilla Corporation’s browser offers anti-malware, parental controls and more. Read more about Firefox’s privacy features here or watch a video about them here.

Chrome:
Google’s browser offers incognito mode, a user privacy settings tab and more. Read more about Chrome’s privacy features here.

Safari:
Apple’s browser offers secure encryption, anti-virus protection and more. Read more about Safari’s privacy features here.