With the increasing popularity of the Chrome browser among users in recent years, many extensions and third-party applications have been released for it that can provide more features to individuals; But sometimes these titles can become potential security vulnerabilities. In this regard, we want to introduce you to the tricks to increase the security of the Chrome browser.
If you are a regular user of Google Browser, you can be sure of Chrome’s security because it is one of the most secure browsers ever built. Many of Google’s built-in features are built into Chrome to ensure the security of people in cyberspace, But not all users may be aware of them. Here are eight important tricks and features that can help improve the protection of personal information.
Table of Contents
- Use the advanced protection feature of Chrome
- Avoid accessing unsafe sites
- Update your browser regularly
- Enable two-step Google Account authentication
- Use the Safety Check feature
- System monitoring by Chrome
- Use guest account
- Do not be deceived by anonymous mode
Use the advanced protection feature of Chrome
Google has launched a service called “Safe Browsing” for its users, which focuses on further protection. With the help of this service, suspicious sites with the potential to cause harm can be avoided. The chrome protection system is available in both standard and enhanced versions, and browsers are typically set to standard. In such a case, when entering unsafe sites, a warning is issued to inform the user and can prevent the execution of malicious files and plugins.
On the other hand, the advanced protection system offers more capabilities than the standard version. For example, if a user’s password is revealed during an attack on popular databases or sites on the Internet, a warning will be given to change other passwords. Also, the level of security in other Google services increases with this mode, and the browser performance is improved to prevent possible damage.
To activate the advanced protection feature, first, click on the three-dot icon in the right corner to go to the Chrome settings (Settings) and then click on Privacy and Security in the left panel. Then go to Security and enable Enhanced Protection at the bottom of Safe Browsing.
Avoid accessing unsafe sites
Sharing information with sites that do not have a secure connection can be dangerous. By default, Google issues the necessary alerts to its users before entering such sites or pages. Of course, users can access such sites in any case, and Chrome will not block them in the end; But this is not usually recommended.
If you have to visit a particular unsafe page or site, do not enter your personal information in any other fields or sections. Also, if you use the ability to save information (such as passwords, account names, and emails), it is better to skip this feature at times. Secure addresses have a lock mark to the left of the address bar, and most often start with the HTTPS extension.
Update your browser regularly
Every once in a while, Google releases new updates to its browser. Chrome automatically receives new updates when released; But if the auto-update feature is disabled, users are more likely to use older and more vulnerable versions. In such versions, people’s personal information is at risk and the system is more likely to be infected with malware; As a result, it’s best to always make sure your browser is up to date.
If you have disabled the auto-update feature of the browser, it is better to periodically and manually check the process of releasing new updates. To do this, first, click on the three-dot icon in the right corner of the browser and then select the Help option. Click About Google Chrome to stay up to date with browser updates. If you see the message “Chrome is up to date”, you can safely use the latest stable version released by Google.
Enable two-step Google Account authentication
Two-step authentication can greatly increase the security of your Google Account. When logging in to your Google Account on different devices, a new step will be taken to authenticate the user. As a result, even if your username and password are passed on to anonymous people, it is still not possible to sign in without using one of the three methods provided by Google.
To enable two-step authentication, first, log in to your Google Account and then go to the Security tab in the left panel. At the bottom of the Signing into Google header, you can see the Two-Step Verification option, which is normally disabled. Clicking on the Get Started option will start the process of activating the said feature. You must first enter your password again and then select one of the available options.
The first way to use two-step authentication is to use a mobile number. By selecting this option, when you log in again, a message will be sent by Google to the mobile to confirm. The other two methods include using the physical security key and receiving one-time login codes via SMS or voice call to mobile.
After selecting the method you want, click the Continue button. Next, you must enter your contact number so that you can still access your account if you lose your physical security key or do not have access to your mobile phone.
Use the Safety Check feature
One of Chrome’s built-in tools called Safety Check can check the security of the browser. This feature can be used to detect information leaks, available updates, malicious add-ons, password security level, and connection security.
To use it, just go to Chrome settings and then click the Check Now button at the bottom of the Safety Check title. In the event of a problem or potential vulnerability, Chrome will display an alert within seconds of pressing the key. Utilizing this feature intermittently can help improve browser security.
System monitoring by Chrome
Although the task of protecting and removing malware is the responsibility of antivirus; But Chrome can also help monitor the system. To use this feature, first, go to the settings section and then click on the Advanced option. Then scroll down to the bottom of the Reset and Clean up the title, see the Cleanup Computer option and click on it. Then click Find so that Chrome can detect potential vulnerabilities in the system. Depending on the amount of data on the device’s internal memory, the process completion time will vary.
Use guest account
It’s a good idea to be extra careful when using your Google Account and syncing information, and avoid entering your personal account information on shared and public computers (such as your workplace). If you have to use shared systems, it is recommended that you use the Guest Account to browse the web.
Do not be deceived by anonymous mode
Some users have too much confidence in Incognito Chrome; While security threats are still present in this case. Although Google does not save browsing history when using incognito mode, ISPs can access the list of sites visited and monitor user activity.
These are just some of the goal-setting shareware that you can use to get the most out of your Chrome browser. Also, one of the most important general recommendations in using cyberspace is to use unique passwords for different services and sites. Using IP-modifying tools when visiting unsafe sites can also be helpful. Turning off the ability to save passwords is also considered a positive thing. Do not forget that updating and scanning with antivirus such as Windows Defender also play an important role in preventing security breaches.
Source: MakeUseOf
