In a situation where most of the attacks and infections of a computer with viruses occur through the web interface, very, very much depends on the choice of browser. In fact, the browser is the most important component of the security complex of the entire system. Therefore, the level of your security directly depends on his choice, timely updates and the right settings.
Browser vulnerabilities are often used for hacker attacks, installing malicious software on a computer. At the same time, the user does not even need to download and open any files, just visit the malicious website - the infection will be quietly carried out (such hacker tricks are also called drive-by-down).
Now we will omit the problem of browser plug-in vulnerabilities like Abode Flash, Java, etc., and consider only the statistics of vulnerabilities of the browsers themselves.
According to the results of recent years, Mozila Firefox was named the most vulnerable browser - in it experts found as many as 169 vulnerabilities, which is 70 more than in the previous year. IN Internet explorer only 45 vulnerabilities were discovered, and this is only 2 vulnerabilities less than a year earlier. That is, the picture for this program is stable - the third line in our black rating.
The most negative trend was in the Safari browser, in which at the time of the study 2 times more "holes" were detected. Their total number is 94. As analysts claimed, the number of vulnerabilities found in the browser significantly increased. Google chromebut these results in absolute numbers are not so great.
And according to the results of the year’s research, Opera can be recognized as the most secure browser - only 25 vulnerabilities.
It is also worth noting that in practice browser vulnerabilities themselves rarely lead to hacking and infection of the computer. The greatest danger is third-party squeaks installed in browsers - plugins. It often happens that under the guise of useful addition proposed virus. However, this is the topic of a separate article.
In conclusion, I would like to note that, despite the difference in the number of vulnerabilities, all modern browsers are approximately equally protected, so for the average user it is better to pay attention to the convenience of the browser interface, its speed and stability, and the load on the operating system.
Roman Idov, lead analyst at SearchInform:
It must be remembered that absolutely safe programs do not exist, especially if these programs are browsers. Therefore, you need to make sure that you have the most a new version browser, containing a sufficient number of corrections for previously found in it "holes". But the best protection will be the safe behavior of the user himself, which will not allow attackers to inject malicious code through vulnerabilities. To do this, you need to visit trusted sites, do not click on the links received from friends, without first knowing what is hidden behind them, and do not install programs from unreliable sources.
For many people, the Internet has already become an integral part of life: it is both a source of information needed every day, a means of communication with friends and acquaintances, and an indispensable tool for working. Everyone is looking on the global network for what he needs, but everyone needs browsers for this. Of course, I would like to use the most secure browser. But which one is worthy of this high rank?
Browsers “grow”, develop - they become more reliable, easier and more convenient to use, they work faster. At the same time, they transmit certain information to the developers' servers, maybe necessary to improve the program, or maybe excessive and simply personal, not intended for prying eyes. Therefore, the safest browser should be not only the least vulnerable, but also spy on the user as little as possible.
Internet Explorer is one of the least vulnerable browsers. But even at the installation stage, he sends information about its use to the corporation server, and then data on how many times the program starts. And that's nothing, but also the creators of IE are interested in information about the processor, hard drive and random access memory computer extension programs, as well as encrypted code to identify the PC. And even if you know that the browser has this “statistics function” enabled by default, you cannot disable it.
Google Chrome is a browser that does not lag behind and also informs its creators about a lot. He is "interested" in the addresses of web pages, the version number of the browser, search queries, addresses not found, as well as the DirectX version and operating system Windows installed on a PC, and other Google programs available on it, and on its servers, IP addresses of users can be stored. That is, the company has everything from a classified information on the VKontakte page to Internet banking data. This is hardly the safest browser. He “calls home” constantly, and you can only partially disable the transfer of personal data. 
Mozilla firefox also broadcasts information to developers, but in a small amount. When this program crashes, it collects the necessary information for the company about the problems and compiles a Crash Report, which indicates the website with which the failure was associated, and a number that identifies the computer. Crash Report describes the PC and also reports which windows version installed on it. All this does not happen “behind the back” of the user, but rather: in order for Crash Report created by the program to go to the developers, you need to express your consent by clicking the mouse button, or you can refuse and not send it. You can also view it before sending it, although its content is clear and useful only for an experienced user. So this is perhaps the safest browser of safety. On the other hand, from the point of view of vulnerability, it is one of the most “leaky”. 
Of course, even a secure browser cannot completely protect your computer from viruses, attacks and all kinds of unwanted injections: only a reliable and uninterruptedly working antivirus saves them.
What is the best internet browser?
Every day we use the Internet. It is so wonderful, simple and easy. We turn on the computer, open our familiar browser, click on the saved tabs or drive the question we need into the search engine. That's all. Further, getting to any site, we read information, watch movies, play toys or simply download the information we need. We do this all online using our very best browser.
Why do I say: The best, familiar, convenient? Because there is still a debate about which Internet browser is the best?
Let's take a closer look at this issue. I am sure that many people have two, or even three, Internet browsers on a computer, but preference is still given to one.
Personally, I myself entered into disputes about. Each of the disputants tried to impose their point of view on the issue by the other parties to the dispute, the air was heating up, the tension was growing, but each remained his own opinion.
From this debate, when the passions had already subsided, and one could think calmly and adequately, I made this conclusion. This conclusion shocked and reassured me at the same time. No matter how we argue, trying to win over to our side large quantity people, you need to understand the main thing: we are all different and unique in our thinking.
So I will not impose my point of view on this controversial issue about the best Internet browser, but just try to tell in detail about each of the most used popular Internet browsers. I will try to analyze their pros and cons, and let the choice be yours. Great, however, when there is a choice.
So, let's proceed to the most ambitious review of all the characteristics of Internet browsers.
But first, don’t you want to know what a Browser is from a technical point of view?
The browser is a special software for querying and processing data, as well as displaying the requested web pages. The browser helps to navigate from page to page, upload various files, and even provide maximum convenience when traveling through numerous sites for its visitors.
Currently, users of the entire planet use for their convenience several dozen Internet browsers.
But in terms of popularity, especially for us, residents of Russia and neighboring countries, there are only a few browsers.
As we know it free software, which can be easily downloaded from the Internet from official sites and then installed on your computer or smartphone, PDA or tablet.
Never be fooled by when you will be required to send any amount of money to download a browser from you, via SMS or otherwise. This is an online scam fraud. Remember, these programs are distributed completely free of charge and you need to download them either from official sites, or from those sites that you already trust. After downloading, be sure to check with your antivirus before installation to be 100% calm.
When choosing an Internet browser, the user is first guided by his own considerations, which are almost the same for everyone.
We wish to satisfy a few of the most important points:
1. The speed of the browser;
2. Its safety in use;
3. Convenient and high-quality interface;
4. Various useful extensions;
5.All additional functionality.
To date, the following Internet browsers are considered leaders in the world:
Consider the first browser in terms of popularity statistics in our country - Google Chrome.
Its performance is very high, page loading is quite fast. Google Chrome is well protected, there are a lot of expansion modules and additional features. On the Chrome engine, still gaining popularity in Russia yandex browser. Interesting enough product.
In second place, according to popularity statistics, we have an Internet browser - Mozilla Firefox.
Very convenient interface, fairly simple tab opening, easy navigation through sites. There is a large library of add-ons, as well as excellent high-speed graphics processing.
Used to be a browser from Microsoft Internet Explorer held very high positions among users. Probably because there was not much choice. At the moment, it is still very popular.
And each time the developers improve its functionality, so in the world it still holds quite high positions in terms of popularity. But, in Russia, he does not quite maintain leadership in the ratings of popular and favorite Internet browsers.
Well, who does not know this very beautiful Internet browser? He nevertheless received for some reason not very high user ratings.
Probably because it is mainly installed on computers, laptops (Macbooks and other products) from Apple, which is not affordable for every Internet user.
5.Opera.Opera has always been thought to be very fast browser. In fact, this browser It has the fastest cache: with repeated downloads, the pages open almost instantly. But the first page opening in Oper is still slower than the same Google Chrome browser. Opera browser is excellently used in mobile version. The functionality of the Opera browser is slightly behind other browsers.
Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each browser:
Pros: Google Chrome is the youngest browser, but it is gaining our attention with great speed. In it there are a lot of necessary and useful functions in which he overtook his rivals.
The browser is easy to use, it has numerous expansion modules and add-ons that even demanding users will like, and the built-in web store helps in finding and installing add-ons.
Google Chrome protects your computer from malware. No need to "restart" the browser to close the hung pages - a window appears with the inscription: "wait."
A built-in function that can translate pages into any language? For me personally, this is a huge plus !!! Even though the translation is not entirely correct. And where else is the notepad function for voice input? And there are many useful utilities.
The development speed of plugins for it is simply surprisingly fast, as it develops at lightning speed. Even a video clip was made on the subject of its performance:
Pros: High performance HTML processing, as well as many add-ons available.
Mozilla Firefox is considered one of top browsers. Currently, a huge number of plugins have been written for him that will satisfy the needs of even the most demanding Internet user.
The browser is actively updated and developed so far. Firefox does a pretty good job of HTML and JavaScript.
Cons: Slow loading of pages, since an excessive number of add-ons slows down this browser and gives an unbearable load on the entire system, not just the browser. As a result, Pages in Firefox sometimes load twice as long as in chrome browsers or Opera.
Pros: Fast HTML processing and good security features.
IN latest versions you can move tabs between different browser windows, the transition to settings is much simplified, quick search tabs.
Cons: For some reason, Microsoft decided that their browser should process HTML tags as they want, and not in accordance with the standards, as a result, sometimes we get a strange result - crooked display of pages, everything constantly floats somewhere, at random .
I personally do not like how my site looks or displays in this browser - it seems to be not bad, but some text runs into each other closely, which does not look very nice.
Lack of themes and automatic bookmark synchronization, difficulties in managing tabs.
Also, pages on the screen are also displayed slowly. The browser does not have spell checking, which adds another minus, as well as the lack of themes.
Pros: The browser is stable in terms of security, that is, security in Safari is at a high level. There is also mobile synchronization for users of iOS devices.
Cons: Too slow opening pages based on HTML or JavaScript.
Safari is a simple and intuitive browser, but it is in many ways inferior to the rest. Apple I never liked pop-ups, which is why Safari blocks them.
Pros: Opera is a good browser in the past, we all at the very beginning of our wanderings around the Internet used almost this browser.
Opera was the first to apply many new features and come forward. This browser has now fast boot pages.
There are opportunities to expand the functionality of the browser using widgets.
Opera's interface is very similar to that of other browsers. At the very top of the window are tabs, and bookmarks are hidden in a drop-down menu.
There is an Opera Turbo tool. It allows you to compress web pages, which makes it easier to view them on computers with a slow Internet connection, but when a fast connection appears, this feature is automatically turned off.
Cons: The security system is slightly worse than other browsers.
But the widgets themselves are tested for security and their range is very diverse: from the most ordinary games to RSS feeds.
also in opera browser There are warnings about dangerous sites and support for private browsing.
To summarize:
Our reality is that all the same, the Google Chrome browser continues to strengthen its position in the market of Internet browsers.
It should be admitted that almost all Internet browsers that are in the top five are not bad, as they have many of their fans.
Each browser has its pros and cons, but as they say, each has its own ideal Internet browser that would be liked by almost all Internet users.
So, let everyone read the characteristics, analyze, try each of them in action and then make their decisive choice and decide:
I wish you a successful, convenient and safe trip on the most best internet browser through the vast expanses of the Internet !!!
After Edward Snowden's shocking statements by the public, people not only began to massively seal the built-in cameras on laptops, but also to figure out which browsers are safer for Internet surfing.
What does the idea of \u200b\u200ba secure browser consist of? Which browser is safer than the rest? Popular security features such as Chrome, IE, and Firefox have inherited a number of security features, such as URL filtering, ad blockers, and the ban on tracking. In a sense, all browsers can now claim to be "safe."
If so, then what happened to those products that once considered themselves to be one of the few representatives and embodiments of secure browsers? The world has become more complex than it was in 2010. Now these are highly specialized products, more focused on the problem of user privacy.
It is possible to configure Chrome, Firefox, or IE to safely and privately surf if necessary. Everyone now has a "private mode". But it is rather aimed at protecting the user "from external influences" (well, you understand, haha). The philosophy of a true secure web browser is to abandon the concepts of “platform” and “plugins”, and to be in its structure the most minimalistic and “lean”, protecting its user.
The following 5 browsers achieve this philosophy in different ways. This list is not exhaustive, it is only those products that have attracted our attention. Confidentiality usually requires compromises, so these surfing tools are not suitable for everyone. We offer you an overview of the best secure browsers:
Epic Privacy Browser
It is based on the Chromium engine. EPB is a great example of a web browser that has removed all unnecessary features to maximize personalization of privacy. It looks like a lean Google Chrome. Cookies and other traces are eliminated after each session. To organize a fully encrypted connection, the browser included a session function. All your online activity will be disguised. Despite the desire to abandon the plugins, a handful of them are still available to make life a little easier.
However, there are also disadvantages - bandwidth limitation, but this can hardly be avoided if you use built-in proxies / VPNs.
Comodo Dragon / Ice Dragon
Comodo continues to improve its secure Dragon product, branching it into two versions based on Chrome (Dragon) and Firefox (Ice Dragon). These products are a kind of remix of standard browser versions that add some features and remove potentially unwanted ones.
Which one you choose will depend on your likes of Chrome and Firefox. Each of them strives to maintain compatibility with such things as plugins and, despite this, they try to make their software the most reliable and “dry”.
Features? Probably the first one is the ability to choose whether to use Comodo's SecureDNS servers, which offer their domain filtering system at your service to achieve privacy and protect users from phishing and malicious sites.
Perhaps the most interesting feature is a "virtualized mode" that isolates it from the host system. This is a free feature, but requires the user to install Comodo Internet Security (CIS) - free version antivirus software company. Not everyone wants to do this, but the extra security with this approach is worth considering.
Comodo also includes SiteInspector, a suspicious URL filtering system.
Tor
This product has an anti-tracking function that blocks access to companies such as Facebook and Twitter to control your history and traffic. This is also one of several browsers that does not collect data about its users.
Which browser is safer?
All these browsers to some extent provide security on the network and rightfully deserve the prefix "best secure", and from them it is hardly possible to accurately answer the question "which browser is safer." However, of all the listed applications, Tor stands out most, since it is not just a browser - it is a whole relay network with multi-level encryption.
5 /5 (12 )Somehow discussing an article about the browser on the Internet Google chrome, raised the topic of browser security. And my opponent, suddenly, was a man who soon takes four years Senior Software Engineer in company Google. I will keep this person anonymous for now, if he wants to, he himself will express himself in the comments to this article.
It all started after I compared the number of vulnerabilities in Google Chrome and Internet Explorer 9. My opponent, who is certainly a competent specialist in his field, wrote the following:
And what kind of vulnerabilities are we talking about? Isn't Chrome the safest browser anymore?
What can I say ... Such a naive statement, to put it mildly, surprised me, as did his argument. He substantiated his position with links to articles Google Chrome is the safest browser and Goolge Chrome & Firefox the most secure browsers!
Let's take a closer look at the first article. It says that a certain company Accuvant LABS, rated the security of the three most common browsers - Internet Explorer, Chrome and Firefox. Experts gave first place google browser Chrome, Internet Explorer was in second place with a slight lag, and Mozilla Firefox closes the top three.
So is Google Chrome really the safest browser?
Why Google Chrome is not the safest
If we analyze this study in more detail, then, despite the loud title of the article, it was not tested at all the complex security of browsers, but only the effectiveness of the so-called Sandboxes. In fact, everything is simple: Google Chrome and Internet Explorer have sandboxes, Mozilla Firefox and other browsers (which were not even tested) simply do not have them. However, it is unclear what this "slight backlog" of Internet Explorer is. You can, of course, reduce everything to the fact that "the study was conducted with the submission of Google." But we will not do this, we will accept it as it is. Instead, consider other aspects of security.
For example, the Accuvant LABS security assessment does not say a word about vulnerabilities in software. And they are in Chrome, almost 12 times (!) More than in IE. We know that the number of vulnerabilities is inversely proportional to the quality of the program code. The small number of vulnerabilities in all Microsoft products is explained by the use of Microsoft Security Development Lifecycle in the process of developing software. But how do you explain such a huge number of “holes” in Google software? Perhaps this is a consequence expedited process release of new versions, and testers just do not have time to check everything and release a obviously raw and vulnerable product on the market. However, this is only my guess, I could be wrong.
In addition to vulnerabilities, we should also mention the fact that Google Chrome is installed not in the system directory, but in% AppData%. This means that the browser is completely unprotected when differentiating OS access rights at the level of file system, which allows any application to modify the components of Google Chrome, without even requiring administrator privileges. Those. such an important component of security as Integrity (Integrity) is completely absent. Of course, this was implemented with the noble goal of providing discreet auto-update. But, in this case, the end does not justify the means.
Also, the article is silent about the fact that in Chrome there are frankly weak mechanisms for protection against phishing, tracking (generally absent) and malware downloads. However, according to another study, such mechanisms work effectively in internet browser Explorer 8/9. Here is the result of a recent NSS Labs study:
Moreover, protection mechanisms in Internet Explorer work not only in laboratories, but.
In this article I will not even consider the features of politics google privacy with and their aggressive tracking of user actions. It’s enough that there is every reason to perceive this browser as real spyware, only from a well-known vendor. In any case, all this does not make Google Chrome the safest browser.
As a result of the above, at a famous hacker competition Pwn2Own Google Chrome hacked in five minutes . French team Vupen security managed to exploit two vulnerabilities in Chrome and completely crack the browser . Moreover, Google Chrome was hacked by a Russian student at the competition. Pwnium, which this year Google is running in parallel with Pwn2Own.
Is there a safest browser?
In my opinion, to declare that this or that software product is the safest is impossible. The security of the system must be evaluated comprehensively, taking into account many features and taking into account the operating environment. Undoubtedly, Internet Explorer has many protective mechanisms. But, the effectiveness of most of them can come to naught, for example, using a pirated Windows OS, or untimely installation of security updates. And some features, such as, need to be separately enabled and configured. Not sure everything internet users Explorer do this.
Based on this, I do not urge anyone to choose a browser based on their ability to protect against Internet threats. Of course, the defense mechanisms that are missing in the browser can be compensated, for example, by strengthening anti-virus protection, or by “tightening the screws” in the OS settings. And the spy “features” of Google Chrome can be “disabled” by going to Chromium. But, in any case, security is an aspect that should still be given attention.
Conclusion
In this article, we saw that the security of Google Chrome, by far, is far from being proud. However, this browser also has many of its advantages that users choose and value for themselves. For example, only in this browser fully work cloud services Google Docs
And by what criteria do you choose a browser for yourself? Is security a determining factor for you?
