Data safety is important. It ensures that all our personal information in the internet are kept safe from hackers and threat actors. However, it does not always mean that safety is easily provided at all times.
It is not uncommon for Google to detect critical vulnerabilities in its web browser, so much so that the browser regularly gets updated to fix a security flaw.
So here are some ways to protect your data privacy when using Google Chrome:
Adjust Chrome Privacy
Using Google Chrome entails the reminder that you are allowing Google and other sites you visit access to your information.
It is recommended to always customize your privacy settings to control how much information you want to provide to big tech companies. None of those mention accepting cookies from the internet.
These are not your grandma's cookies, so don't just start accepting them without question. Internet cookies store your data so it can recognize your device in the future. It also means that you are adding more digital information hackers can exploit within your browser.
That is why it is always recommended to regularly clear browsing history to keep personal data protected.
Oh, don't forget to also keep updating the Chrome browser to receive the latest security updates from Google. It won't even take five minutes.
Also Read: Google, Apple Rolls Out Emergency Updates to Fix Zero-Day Exploits on Chrome, iOS
Chrome Security Extensions
If the built-in protections by Google seem not enough to protect your data, consider adding Chrome extensions for data privacy.
Chrome extensions like Malwarebytes Browser Guard and Duck Duck Go Privacy Essentials help you ensure that you know what data goes in and out.
Malwarebytes block out all suspicious and harmful data to transmit into your devices, while Duck Duck Go ensures only the essential information is being sent to the internet.
Both are free on the Chrome web store page, so feel free to check them out and their features.
Find Alternative Browsers
There is always the option to jump ship. No one is forcing you to stay in one brand. In fact, it is recommended to prioritize safety rather than the perks of brand loyalty when it comes to data privacy.
To that, Mozilla Firefox and Opera are good recommendations when switching web browsers. Firefox mostly offers the same security measures as Chrome does, like HTTPS Everywhere and private browsing.
It is considered more secure because of additional safety features like automatic DNS over HTTP and cookie blocking, a feature Google seems adamant about never introducing.
Opera, and in some fashion Opera GX, are attached with ad blockers to prevent you from accidentally accessing suspicious sites while browsing. Its desktop version also has a built-in VPN to further hide your data history.
Like Chrome, Firefox and Opera are also free so there is not much risk if you start switching browsers now.
Related Article: Mozilla's Firefox Relay Can Now Keep Spam SMS, Robocallers at Bay
