Don’t make it too easy for the “cyber gangsters”! Secure programs such as Chrome, Edge and Firefox properly with Browser Hardening. Here’s what you need to bear in mind.
Meaning: What is Browser Hardening?
Browser Hardening is an IT security measure in the field of System Hardening. The aim is to reduce the attack surfaces of a browser and reduce the probability of a successful cyber attack.
Goals: Why is Browser Hardening so important?
Browsers are used by millions of people every day and are therefore a popular target for cyber attacks. If your company uses browsers that are not specially secured, they become the Achilles’ heel of your IT security strategy.
The big problem is that the most common browsers are configured by default to offer the greatest possible convenience. This convenience usually comes at the expense of information security and data protection, as, for example, an unnecessary amount of data is collected and sent without being asked. In addition, Chrome, Edge and the like offer a number of security vulnerabilities “out of the box” that can be easily exploited by attackers.
This means that your goal must be to make your browsers as secure as possible. Otherwise, they become a gateway and lead to expensive consequences. Consequences that, in the worst case, could jeopardize the survival of your company.
Tips: Browser hardening – what measures are there?
Here are some proven methods for successfully implementing Browser Hardening:
Updates
Make sure that all browsers in your company are always up to date. For example, activate the auto-update function, which automatically installs the latest patches.
Settings
Make full use of your browser’s security settings. Among other things, block pop-ups and activate protection against dangerous websites.
Adblocker
Install reliable adblockers and other add-ons to reduce user tracking.
Extensions
Avoid the excessive use of plug-ins, as these represent potential security vulnerabilities.
Passwords
Prevent passwords from being saved automatically in the browser. The autofill function should also be deactivated.
Isolation
A very good form of protection is to isolate the browser so that it can only access data on the hard disk or in the network with difficulty or not at all.
VPN
A good VPN system additionally increases the security of your browser. It redirects connections via other servers and encrypts the data.
Audits
Monitor the hardening of your browser and carry out regular audits to identify and rectify vulnerabilities. A good tool for this is the free AuditTAP.
What needs to be done after Browser Hardening?
Hardening your browser should only be the beginning of many other important measures. For example, you need to comprehensively secure your operating system with OS Hardening. And with comprehensive System Hardening, you can make your entire IT landscape more resistant to cyber attacks.
Admittedly, this is a major challenge if you want to make all the settings manually. It is much more efficient to carry out hardening with a professional hardening tool such as Enforce Administrator. This can even create a kind of “self-healing system”.
Enforce Administrator: More information
Conclusion
Browser Hardening is an important part of any cyber security strategy. By implementing the measures described, you can significantly improve the security of the browsers you use.
Do you have questions about Browser Hardening in particular or System Hardening in general? Do you need support in implementing sustainable hardening? Contact us, we will be glad to help you.
Images: OpenAI/DALL-E