There are many things that are taken for granted with information technology and
security. One of the main things is online business, whether browsing or buying. Billions of
online transactions take place daily where consumers enter their personal information without a
thought about security. An estimated $870 billion was spent in online transactions in 2021.
Future predictions dictate that number will continue to grow.
Online business has provided a convenience that many never thought imaginable, however, that
same convenience could be a potential cyber threat if you’re not using an effective browser with
security measures. Use of a secure browser, otherwise known as a safe browser, adds an extra
layer of security that protects your personal information and helps you avoid third-party threats
while you’re online. These third-party technologies utilize cookies which save your information.
Safe browsers block those third-party cookies.

Whether browsing or buying, here are some other ways to ensure that you are surfing the
internet safely:
Antivirus Program – Having a good antivirus program on your device aids in the detection and
removal of viruses and malware.
Pop-Up Blockers – Many pop-ups are legitimate when accessing information from a business.
However, some pop-ups may be malware. Since it is difficult to differentiate between what is
legitimate and what isn’t, we recommend turning your pop-up blocker on.
Clearing Cache – Once you visit a website, your browser saves those pages for future use to
allow you to access those pages faster. This is done through caching. By keeping information
cached, you run the risk of having your data stolen. Additionally, caching could take up space
over a period of time. To be safe, once you are done with a website, clear your cache.

There are many browsers to choose from. Whatever your choice of browser, make sure that
your browser has enhanced security features to protect your information. Most importantly,
mitigate any potential vulnerabilities with your browser by updating your browser with the latest
patches.
Security knowledge is what we do at Vala Secure. We are experts in Cybersecurity and
Compliance, so you don’t have to be. Reach out today to learn how our VISO team of experts
can help secure your environment.