Web browsing is a vital way for employees to gain access to business tools and systems via laptops or mobile devices, wherever they are. It is also one of the most popular attack methods and cybercriminals leverage it to gain access to data and systems.
Secure web browsing is a combination of many factors, including making sure that the browser version is the latest as well as enabling features that prevent pop-ups, verifying that extensions and plug-ins have been tested for security (especially when they were downloaded from unreliable sources) and observing how websites handle encrypted communication through the secure web browsing browser. It is also crucial to educate employees about safe browsing habits and to encourage them report any suspicious behaviors to the security team’s administrative staff immediately if they notice any suspicious behavior.
The best browsers for secure web browsing are those that enable secure communication between the server and the user – via HTTPS or, more frequently with a green lock icon showing the website is using encrypted communications. It is also crucial that browsers allow for specific settings that allow users to determine the way cookies are used and the websites they are able to and should not visit. Additionally, browsers should provide high performance. Even the most secure browser is useless if it has a slow speed and is difficult to use.
Companies should be aware of the fact that a web browser with a high level of security could trigger multiple warnings each day. This could lead to burning out of employees. It is important to find a balance in setting security at the highest level, and avoid frequent alerts that could adversely impact the work environment.