Browser protection

An up-to-date browser guards you from phishing and malware attacks when you’re browsing the web. It does so by limiting security risk when you’re online. For example, how often you come into contact with an attacker. You can be exposed to attackers through a malicious fake website, or even through a familiar website that has been hacked. Most modern browsers have inbuilt browser protection as they pre-check each web page you visit for advanced persistent threat and zero day exploit, and alert you if one is suspected of being malicious. This lets you make an informed judgment about whether you really want to visit that page. For example, Google Chrome uses Safe Browsing technology, which is also used in several other modern browsers. As you browse the web, each page is checked quickly against a list of suspected phishing and malware websites. This list is stored and maintained locally on your computer to help protect your browsing privacy. If a match against the local list is found, the browser then sends a request to Google for more information. (This request is completely obscured and the browser does not send it in plain text.) If Google verifies the match, Chrome shows a red warning page to alert you that the page you're trying to visit may be dangerous. Secondly, how vulnerable your browser is if it’s attacked. Old browsers that haven’t been upgraded are likely to have security vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. All outdated software, irrespective of whether it’s your operating system, browser, or plug-ins, has the same problem. That’s why it’s important to use the very latest version of your browser and promptly install security patches on your operating system and all plug-ins, so that they’re always up-to-date with the latest security fixes. Some browsers check for updates automatically and install updates when initiated by the user.