7 Ways to Keep Your Browser Up to Date for Best Security

In the end, it’s up to you

The internet can be a dangerous place. Malicious websites phish you for personal information, computer viruses pose as legitimate downloads, rampant cross-site trackers infringe upon your privacy… the list goes on.

But although most browsers do come with multiple features to keep you safe, you must also play your part to ensure that everything’s up to date and set up the way you want.

Read on to learn seven ways to keep Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari up to date for the best security on the PC and Mac.

1. Update Your Browser

Web browsers receive frequent critical updates geared toward fixing known security vulnerabilities and other issues. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge support auto-updates, but it’s good to perform a manual check for newer browser versions once every while. If you use Safari, browser updates are a part of regular operating system updates.

Google Chrome: Open theChromemenu (select the three-dot icon next to the address bar) and selectHelp>About Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox: Open theFirefoxmenu and selectSettings. Then, scroll down to theFirefox Updatessection and chooseCheck for updates.

Microsoft Edge: Open the Edgemenu and selectHelp & Feedback>About Microsoft Edge.

Apple Safari: Open theApplemenuand selectSystem Preferences>Software Update>Update Now.

2. Update Your PC and Mac

Your browser aside, it’s just as important to update your PC or Mac. That helps provide a secure platform for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari to run on.

Update Windows: Open theStartmenuand selectSettings>Windows Updates>Check for updates. Then, selectDownload and installto apply any pending feature or security updates.

Update macOS: Open theApple menuand selectAbout This Mac>Software Update. Suppose there are any pending updates, selectUpdate Now.

3. Update Browser Extensions

Extensions and plugins help bolster the default functionality of your web browser. However, outdated extensions can weaken browser security, so it’s best to take the time to ensure that they are up-to-date. As you do that, we recommend removing or deactivating any obsolete extensions you no longer use.

Google Chrome: Open theChromemenu and selectMore tools>Extensions. On the screen that follows, turn on the switch next toDeveloper modeand selectUpdate.

Mozilla Firefox: Open theFirefoxmenu and selectAdd-ons and themes. Then, select the cog-shapedSettingsicon and chooseCheck for Updates.

Microsoft Edge: Open theEdgemenu and selectExtensions. Then, turn on the switch next toDeveloper Modeand chooseUpdate.

Apple Safari: Open theApp Storeand selectUpdateson the sidebar. Then, chooseUpdatenext to any Safari extension with pending updates. If you want to manage your extensions, openSafariand go toSafari>Preferences>Extensions.

4. Review Browser Security Settings

Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari offer multiple pre-configured security features and privacy settings to keep you safe online. However, you must check them routinely and make adjustments if needed. You also can increase protection (but at the risk of breaking sites). Additionally, consider revoking permissions to sites you no longer visit.

Open theChromemenu and selectSettings>Security and Privacy. You can then:

Open theFirefoxmenu and selectSettings>Privacy & Security. You can then:

Open theEdgemenu, selectSettings, and choosePrivacy, Search, and Serviceson the sidebar. You can then:

SelectSafari>Safari Preferenceson the menu bar. Then, switch between theSecurity,Privacy, andWebsitestabs and perform the following:

5. Check Your Passwords

Compromised passwords pose a significant threat to privacy and security. If you use the integrated password manager for Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, you have the option of checking for passwords involved in known data breaches and updating them accordingly.

For even better security, you may also want to consider switching to a detected password manager such as1Password, LastPass, or Dashlane.

Google Chrome: Open theSettingspane and selectAutofill>Passwords>Check passwords. Then, select theChange passwordbutton next to each weak or compromised password to update them.

Mozilla Firefox: Open theFirefoxmenu, selectSettings>Privacy & Security,and ensure that the box next toShow alerts about passwords for breached websitesis active. You can then open theFirefoxmenu and selectPasswordsto review and update vulnerable passwords.

Apple Safari:Open Safari’sPreferencespane and selectPasswords. Then, activate theDetect compromised passwordsoption and update any compromised or weak passwords.

6. Use Security and Privacy Add-ons

You can also use add-ons to beef up web browser security. Here are seven extensions to try out in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. They also work on Chromium-based browsers such as Opera and Brave.

7. Scan Your Computer for Malware

It’s essential to scan your computer occasionally for malware using adedicated malware removal toolsuch asMalwarebytes. That helps remove hidden browser hijackers, malicious extensions, and other forms of harmful software. Alternatively, investing in a real-time antivirus scanner can prevent sites from infecting your PC or Mac in the first place.

If you use Chrome on the PC, you can also run a scan for malware using its integrated cleanup tool. To get to it, open theChromemenu and selectSettings>Advanced>Reset and clean up>Clean up Computer.

Practice Safe Browsing

Despite keeping your browser secure and up-to-date, it’s ultimately up to you to avoid unsafe behavior while browsing the internet. Refrain from clicking on shady links, be careful of what you download, and make purchases from secure sites only… you know the drill. Learn more aboutstaying safe online.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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7 Ways to Keep Your Browser Up to Date for Best Security#

1. Update Your Browser#

2. Update Your PC and Mac#

3. Update Browser Extensions#

4. Review Browser Security Settings#

5. Check Your Passwords#

6. Use Security and Privacy Add-ons#

7. Scan Your Computer for Malware#

Practice Safe Browsing#

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