DIGITALSECURITYGUIDE Online security The Internet offers so many opportunities to explore, create and collaborate. And to make the most of the web, is important to keep yourself safe and secure. Whether you are a new Internet user or an expert, the advice and tools here can help you navigate the web safely and securely. Securing your Internet browser An internet browser is the programme that you use to access the internet and view web pages on your computer. Some common internet browser examples include: • Internet explorer • Mozilla Firefox • Safari • Chrome Optimising your browser’s settings is a critical step in using the Internet securely and privately. Today’s popular browsers include built-in security features, but users often fail to optimize their browser’s security settings on installation. Failing to correctly set up your browser’s security features can put you at a higher risk for malware infections and malicious attacks. 1. Keep your browser updated Frequently, browser updates are released to plug recently discovered security holes. So it’s important to always keep any browsers you use updated. 2. Be cautious when installing plug-ins Plug-ins and extensions can sometimes put you at risk. For instance, at the begining of 2015, it was discovered that some Chrome extensions can change service or ownership without notification to users. As a result, Chrome’s regulations for extensions changed in June 2015 to keep extensions from becoming anything other than “simple and single-purpose in nature,” according to Google. 3. Install security plug-ins The majority of plug-ins and extensions are safe, however, some can help bolster your browser’s security. Here are three suggested—and free—browser extensions for added security. • HTTPS Everywhere. The Electronic Frontier Foundation and The Tor Project jointly developed this Firefox, Chrome, and Opera extension. HTTPS is a communications protocol for securing communications over a computer network, vs. the standard HTTP protocol, which is more widely used but less secure. (The ‘S’ in HTTPS stands for ‘secure.’) HTTPS Everywhere encrypts communication with many major websites to help secure your browsing experience. • Web of Trust (also known as WOT). This extension for Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Opera helps you determine if a website is safe to surf. The extension displays traffic signal icons next to URLs and links. Green means the site is reliable; yellow indicates you should proceed with caution; red translates to “steer clear.” The ratings are crowd sourced from WOT’s global user base and are supported by trusted third-party sources, such as up-to-date directories of malware sites. • LongURL.org. If you are on Twitter or Facebook and you see a shortened link embedded in an interesting post, you might click it without a second thought. But shortened links have been known to mask malicious links. If you are unsure of a shortened link, copy and paste it into the search box at LongURL.org. You’ll see where the link would take you, without having to actually click through to the site. LongURL.org is also available as a Firefox browser extension. 11