Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox, or maybe Microsoft Edge instead? The list of potential browsers is a long one. But which one is the right one?
The most important points to remember:
- There is no one right browser. Choose the one you like best, or already installed on your device.
- The most important thing is to regularly update your browser. This is the only way to close any security gaps.
- Internet Explorer you should no longer use.
Which browser is the right one?
This is not an easy question to answer. There are pros and contras to all browsers. And it is not really that important which one you choose in the end. Choose the one you like best, or already installed on your device.
You should no longer use Internet Explorer! Microsoft is ceasing any further development in favour of their new Microsoft Edge browser.
There follows a list of recommended browsers most widely used in Switzerland (listed in descending frequency of use). In addition, their most important security and data protection characteristics are also listed.
The browser most widely used in Switzerland and all over the world is Google Chrome. It is considered extremely safe, since its architecture makes it rather difficult for criminals to attack the device it is installed on.
As far as data protection is concerned, Google Chrome does not score quite that well. For instance, Google Chrome transmits data about user surfing behaviour to Google.
You can download Google Chrome here.
You can read up on how to delete your browser history here.
Tip: Use the same browser on all your devices. You can then synchronise your settings, bookmarks and favourites easily this way. But never store any passwords in your browser!
Security settings
The same way there is no one right browser, there are no absolutely right security settings either. The most important thing is to regularly update your browser! This is the only way to close any security gaps.
General recommendations for your browser:
- Activate the automatic update feature.
- Activate the integrated phishing and malware protection options.
- Deactivate automatic storing of passwords, and don’t store any passwords in your browser. (Tip: Use a password manager)
- Do without the option to use active content such as Java if you don’t really need this.
You should also note that programs and apps which block ads or protect user privacy sometimes result in severe conflicts on certain websites and with some e-banking solutions. Yet you don’t have to completely do without these useful tools. Further information on this issue can be found here.