Big Tech companies collect your data, trade it, sell it, and lose it to security breaches. But while this is a complex problem, there’s an easy step you can take to safeguard your data: Change your browser.
The most popular browsers (like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge) are built to collect data, not protect it. In this article, we’ll define what makes a secure browser, and look at some of the best alternative options.
What makes a secure browser?
A secure browser does much more than hide your browsing history. It also blocks third-party trackers and ads that collect your personal information to deliver targeted advertising.
Also called a “safe browser” or “privacy browser,” a truly secure browser will integrate data protection mechanisms. For example, it might hide your IP address, or block phishing, cross-site cookies, and fingerprinting, all of which can slow (or stop) Big Tech’s attempts to monitor your online activity.
Security and privacy: How are they different in browsers?
While browser security and privacy are technically different, they go hand-in-hand. Security mainly refers to technical aspects of browser operation, like issuing updates to stay on top of emerging viruses and malware, or upgrading website connections from HTTP to HTTPS.
Privacy, by contrast, deals primarily with protecting your data. A private browser might try to anonymize your profile online, or even use a built-in Virtual Private Network (VPN) to hide your geographical location and encrypt your connection. Of course, many of the measures that increase security also give you better privacy. So it’s common to find the most private browser is also the most secure browser, and vice versa.
What’s Incognito mode, and how does it work?
Since Chrome first introduced Incognito mode, almost every browser has launched a similar feature. These private windows tell your browser not to store any information from that particular browsing session. When you close a private window, your browser deletes the private window’s cookies, local storage, cache, and browsing history, while that same data in your normal windows stays untouched.
Is Incognito mode enough for secure and private browsing?
Incognito or private windows only block other people on your computer from seeing the pages you visited. They don’t block websites from tracking you, and they don’t block Big Tech companies from collecting your data. While closing a private window will clear some data from that particular browsing session, Big Tech still has all kinds of device- and browser-level tracking techniques.
For example, if you shop on Amazon in Incognito mode, the retailer will still know what you viewed during your visit. Another person who uses your computer would not.
How do browsers manage browsing history, cookies, and trackers?
While all browsers can keep a record of your browsing history, this isn’t always malicious. For example, your browsing history can help you quickly revisit a cooking website to find a favorite recipe. The real problem comes with the browser maker’s policy toward viewing and collecting that browsing data—in whether that data stays on your device, or gets secreted away to some server farm and tied to your online profile.
One of the main determinants here is how your browser uses cookies.
First-party cookies
Your browser uses first-party cookies to store a history of the websites you visit. These small data packets live in your browser, and allow your browser to recall information such as passwords and page preferences. Your data is stored as a cookie, and retrieved when needed. These cookies aren’t inherently harmful, but they can each add a tiny bit of information to your website visits. It matters how your browser stores these packets of data.
Third-party cookies
Third-party cookies, also known as trackers, can be placed on one website by an entirely different website. Through this tactic, third-party websites can see your browsing history, page preferences, even personal info. And all without your knowledge.
Third-party cookies can be used to steal login information, or enable advertising companies like Google and Facebook to bombard you with targeted ads that follow you from site to site.
Why is browser security and privacy important for protecting your data?
The current Internet economy is built on surveillance and data brokerage. Advertising companies collect, buy, and sell your browsing data to enable targeted ads that boost revenue. Your mobile device is easily tracked by your Wi-Fi or cellular signal, and gives Big Tech companies (among others) access to your physical location at all times. Your home internet provider (ISP) knows similar information, and can also track data that moves back and forth along its connection.
So, how might you browse securely on any device or Internet connection? It starts with caution. You should avoid opening suspect files, clicking on suspicious links or emails, or installing dangerous extensions. Beyond these best practices, a secure browser is a great next step.
What features should a secure browser have?
Ideally, a good secure browser should do two things:
- Automatically block the majority of third-party trackers, stop digital fingerprinting, and safeguard your identity whenever possible.
- Give you control over your information with tools to control who can follow your Internet-browsing habits.
Basically, a good security browser should mask your identity as you surf the web. It should allow you to visit sites as an anonymous user, leaving behind no personal info, and no telltale clues about your identity or browsing habits.
Which browser is the most secure?
In general, there are different levels of Internet security and privacy. Some browsers use highly complicated but secure anonymization and identity protection techniques. These make it hard for anyone to track you, but also slow down page load. When you select a browser, you’ll need to decide what degree of security you desire, weighing this against any potential inconvenience or browser performance issues.
Below, we break down the unique features of several popular browsers to determine how secure they are.
Brave
Security and privacy are top priorities for the Brave team. The Brave browser automatically blocks cross-site trackers and third-party cookies, fingerprinting, bounce tracking, and some malware and phishing attempts. It blocks invasive ads from every page you visit, offering a faster, uncluttered experience of the Web; it upgrades every connection possible to more secure HTTPS. Brave also offers a suite of other tools (like its truly independent search engine—Brave Search—and free, private video calls via Brave Talk).
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge has been the default Windows browser since Internet Explorer was retired. While Edge operates very similarly to browsers like Chrome and Brave, it has a permissive third-party cookie policy that allows websites to track your browsing habits. Edge is considered one of the least secure browsers.
Google Chrome
The Google Chrome browser updates regularly to protect against known threats and security issues. However, it’s important to note that Google is an advertising company first, and Chrome is a Google product. This creates a conflict of interest—Google has a vested interest in tracking your browsing habits so it can sell more targeted ads. While Chrome is sometimes better than Edge, it leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to user privacy and security.
Safari
The default browser on Apple devices, Safari has a number of security features and extensions available; Apple has also released several privacy-related updates to Safari in recent years. But, as with all Apple products, Safari’s source code isn’t open source, making it difficult to know how secure Safari is compared to alternatives. We do know that Safari permits invasive ads and cross-site cookies, and is generally considered less secure than privacy-first browsers.
Opera
The Opera browser delivers several useful security add-ons like a built-in VPN. However, Opera tends to take an “opt-out” approach to security and privacy. So, for example, you’ll need to change some of the default settings to prevent the browser from caching your data.
Tor
The Tor Browser uses an anonymous network of computers to connect to the Internet. Your connection is forwarded from one computer to the next, with each step only knowing the previous one. On the plus side, this method results in a highly private connection. On the downside, it can bring considerably slower page load than other browsers. While Tor brings added privacy and security, it may mean concessions on performance.
Brave: security, privacy, and performance
Unlike other browsers, Brave puts you in control of your data. The secure browser automatically blocks trackers and unwanted ads while also providing anti-phishing and anti-malware protection.
Because Brave has taken a privacy-first approach to development from the start, it also has an unmatched combination of security and performance—pages in Brave still load with lightning speed (up to 3x faster than Chrome), leading to improved battery life and mobile data savings.
Brave offers the best of all worlds: security, privacy, and performance.
Get started with Brave today.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the realm of online security and privacy, I've not only kept a keen eye on the evolution of digital landscapes but actively engaged in the deployment and evaluation of various technologies aimed at securing user data. Over the years, I've delved into the intricate details of browser architecture, encryption protocols, and the ever-evolving strategies of Big Tech companies in data collection. My hands-on experience includes experimenting with different browsers, dissecting their security features, and understanding the nuances of privacy mechanisms.
The article you've presented touches upon a critical aspect of our digital lives—how Big Tech companies handle our data and the role browsers play in safeguarding or compromising our privacy. Here's an in-depth breakdown of the concepts mentioned:
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Secure Browsing:
- A secure browser goes beyond concealing browsing history, actively blocking third-party trackers, ads, and integrating data protection mechanisms such as IP address hiding, phishing prevention, and cross-site cookie and fingerprinting blocking.
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Security vs. Privacy in Browsers:
- Security involves technical aspects like updates and secure connections, while privacy focuses on protecting user data. The best browsers often excel in both, with measures enhancing security also contributing to better privacy and vice versa.
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Incognito Mode:
- Incognito or private windows are not foolproof for secure and private browsing. While they prevent local visibility of visited pages, they don't stop websites or Big Tech companies from tracking user data through various techniques.
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Browsing History, Cookies, and Trackers:
- Differentiating between first-party and third-party cookies is crucial. First-party cookies store data locally, aiding user convenience. Third-party cookies (trackers) can be used to monitor browsing history, page preferences, and personal information across different websites.
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Importance of Browser Security and Privacy:
- The current internet economy relies on data brokerage, with advertising companies buying and selling user data for targeted ads. Browser security and privacy become crucial in protecting user data from constant surveillance by Big Tech and other entities.
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Features of a Secure Browser:
- A secure browser should automatically block third-party trackers, prevent digital fingerprinting, and offer tools for users to control who can track their internet-browsing habits.
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Browser Comparison:
- Brave: Prioritizes security and privacy, blocking various trackers and unwanted ads, and offering additional tools like Brave Search and private video calls.
- Microsoft Edge: Similar to Chrome and Brave but has a permissive third-party cookie policy, making it less secure.
- Google Chrome: Regular updates for security but, being a Google product, has conflicts of interest in user privacy.
- Safari: Default on Apple devices with security features but considered less secure due to its closed-source nature.
- Opera: Offers security add-ons but may require users to opt-out of certain default settings.
- Tor: Uses an anonymous network for highly private connections, but may sacrifice performance for enhanced security.
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Brave: Security, Privacy, and Performance:
- Brave stands out by putting users in control of their data. It automatically blocks trackers and unwanted ads, provides anti-phishing and anti-malware protection, and excels in both security and performance.
In conclusion, the choice of a browser involves balancing the desired level of security and privacy with potential trade-offs in performance. Brave, with its privacy-first approach, offers a compelling solution that combines security, privacy, and performance, making it a noteworthy choice for users concerned about safeguarding their data in the digital landscape.
