The first barrier to defending your PC against viruses, trackers that invade your privacy, obtrusive adverts, and many other online dangers is your web browser. But how can you be certain that the browser you’re using is offering you protection?
The security of your browser can be tested using the five free programs listed below.
# 1 Qualys BrowserCheck
With more than 20 years of experience, Qualys is an established brand in the “security space”. Its free and simple-to-use browser checker provides superior insight into the level of safety of your software.
When a particular plug-in needs to be uninstalled, a new version of the web browser needs to be downloaded, etc., Qualys BrowserCheck scans the web browser for possible vulnerabilities and other security issues.
You can download the BrowserCheck plugin, which is also free, for a more detailed investigation. Additionally, it periodically performs automatic scans, which can undoubtedly aid in the detection of any anomalies.
# 2 Privacy Analyzer
You may evaluate your browser’s security using the tests that Privacy Analyzer runs. Press the “START TEST” button to get going. You’ll receive five thorough reports detailing the information the website you’re browsing knows about you in a matter of seconds.
With the help of Privacy Analyzer, you can determine whether the websites you visit are collecting data regarding your computer’s operating system, screen resolution, or even battery life if you’re using a laptop or mobile device.
Additionally, the tool checks to see if your browser possesses AutoFill turned on, displays whether it divulges details about the accounts of users you’re logged into, evaluates its settings and capabilities, and performs fingerprint analysis.
# 3 AmIUnique
AmIUnique, as the name indicates, assesses whether or not your web browser creates a distinct “fingerprint” online that enables advertising to more effectively target you. The renowned “Cover Your Tracks” tool is the next on our list, however, this one is more sophisticated and extensive. The tool also examines any installed plugins and extensions to see if they compromise your privacy or the security of your Internet browser in any way.
AmIUnique has a browser plugin that is comparable to Qualys BrowserCheck. It enables the user to look back on their “fingerprint” history and make changes as a result. Because it enables you to see if and how your digital fingerprint has altered over time, the timeline feature is especially helpful.
# 4 Cover Your Tracks
Cover Your Tracks, a highly effective tool developed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), checks whether your browser shields you from being tracked.
Press the “TEST YOUR BROWSER” button and select the “Test with a real tracking company” option to launch the analysis. The program can determine whether your browser stops monitoring cookies, invisible adverts, and “digital fingerprints” in less than a minute. After completing the tests, Cover Your Tracks presents a table and an in-depth report that describe your tracking by data brokers and advertising and explain how and why it occurs. Additionally, it offers a brief explanation of how to read and understand the report.
# 5 Browsing Experience Security Check
The most untypical tool on our list is undoubtedly Cloudflare’s Browsing Experience Security Check, especially given that it focuses on Domain Name System (DNS) testing.
After you click the orange “Check my browser” button, Cloudflare’s tool will examine your browser settings, determine whether or not you are using a DNS “resolver”, determine whether your browser can be used to attack you, examine whether or not hackers can inspect the certificates of Internet pages that your browser connects to, and more. You may find out if there are actions you’re able to perform to improve your level of privacy and security by clicking the “Learn more” button, which is present below each result.
What to Do if Your Browser “Fails” These Tests
There’s not much more you can do to ensure that your browser is as protected as such software is able to be if it passes the aforementioned tests. However, you should switch to a secure alternative if your web browser is unsuccessful in the majority of tests. Most people won’t likely pass these exams with a perfect score, but few are safer than others and are better shielded.
You can choose between these 3 web browsers:
- Brave
- Firefox
- Tor browser
It’s possible that Brave, Firefox, and Tor are more secure than other browsers (they also offer other features that other browsers lack, such as the ability to play casino games from top operators rated by the link at the right frame rates with no downloading), but neither of them is flawless. The positive aspect is that practically any browser can be made more secure by modifying its settings, adding privacy-conscious add-ons, and routinely updating them.
However, regardless of how secure your Internet browser is, if you don’t adhere to fundamental security procedures, you’re still at risk. This entails using strong passwords, staying away from dubious websites, downloading dependable anti-malware software, and carefully scrutinizing each questionable link before you click.