Best browser for security and privacy
If it’s a toss-up between the two most popular browsers, Mozilla Firefox is arguably safer and more focused on privacy than Google Chrome. Even social media networks like Facebook will find it harder to get your information, while trackers and cryptocurrency miners are beaten off with Content Blocking, and there’s phishing and malware protection and antivirus software included.
If it’s your passwords you’re most worried about, create new, more complicated ones with Lockwise – Mozilla Firefox’s password management service will even sync these with your other Windows 10 devices, which it’s getting even better at. Elsewhere, the Protection Dashboard will summarise for you how Mozilla Firefox has protected your privacy, and you can be alerted if a data breach has put your email address at risk and block allow-notification pop-ups.
Alternatively, Opera is the only browser with a built-in VPN that can hide your browsing from Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) and third parties on the sites you’re visiting. For the same protection on Firefox, you’d have to pay. Both browsers offer crypto-mining protection.
Ultimately, all 8 web browsers mentioned offer good security and privacy features. Most of us could choose any and not feel too much at risk. Each will delete your browsing history, internet files and cookies, when you’ve finished your incognito or private session, for example. Chrome, Safari, Vivaldi, Opera and Firefox all use Google’s Safe Browsing API to spot dangerous websites. Meanwhile, Mozilla and Opera are constantly updating their security.
