The question is, what can you do to stop them?
There are a number of options, the first of which is the browser software you choose to use. Microsoft’s Internet Explorer still has the lion’s share of the market, but it’s losing ground to other, more secure browsers such as Firefox.
And this isn’t necessarily just because they’re more secure (although they usually are). Because fewer people use them, they’re just not as big a target for the people who create these security issues. Using a less widely used browser can help keep you under the radar.
Another important factor in improving browser security is to learn more about it.
There are a large number of options in both Internet Explorer and most other browsers that control what is and isn’t allowed. Most users have little or no knowledge of how these setting affect them.
For instance, should you disable ActiveX controls or should you allow them to run but prompt you first? This is an example of something that will ultimately be up to you to decide. Disabling them is certainly more secure, but some websites may not work properly. And prompting you every time can get annoying fast if you regularly visit sites that use them.
These kinds of trade-offs are a pain in the neck and hopefully the day will come when they’re no longer necessary. In the meantime, however, you really should do some reading and learn a bit about how to set things up for the most effective protection.
Proper use is the final leg of browser security. Do you practice ’safe browsing’? Some sites prompt to download ActiveX controls (little programs), dialers, adware and other dynamic content. Do you really know what’s likely to happen when you say yes, or are you trusting the source? Trust is necessary, but as the old saying goes ‘Trust, but keep your eyes open’.
Most people don’t realize just how much information is made available simply by browsing the internet. When you visit a website, various pieces of information about your location and your computer get shared with them - it’s a two way street.
Making the time to learn how to protect your computer will pay off in spades when you don’t get hit with the next big virus or spyware problem.
