The five basic functions of the browser are: Techno 24Everyone should use it to stay safe while browsing the web.

Options to turn off autofill and save password

Many browsers offer to save your passwords and autofill them when you visit websites. While this feature is useful, it poses a significant security risk.

If someone gains access to your device, they can log into your accounts without your password. For additional security, it is better to turn off autofill and enter passwords manually.

How to turn off autocomplete in Google Chrome

• Go to Settings > Autofill & Passwords > Google Password Manager > Settings.
• Turn off Offer to save passwords and access key.

How to disable autocomplete in Mozilla Firefox

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Passwords.
• Clear the Autofill usernames and passwords check box.

Disabling this feature will mean you’ll have to manually enter your login details each time, but this greatly improves security.

Enable Do Not Track

Websites collect data about your online behavior to show you targeted ads. This may expose you to privacy risks such as identity theft or data leakage.

Most modern browsers offer a Do Not Track feature that allows websites to stop tracking your online activity.

How to enable Do Not Track in Google Chrome

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Third Party Cookies.
• Enable Send Do Not Track request on web browsing traffic.

How to Enable Do Not Track in Mozilla Firefox

• Open Settings > Privacy & Security.
• Under Website Privacy Settings, select Send “Do Not Track” request to websites.

Note that not all websites are required to comply with this request, so in some cases you may still see targeted ads.

Turn on pop-up blocker

Pop-ups can be more than annoying; They often trick users into clicking on malicious links that lead to the download of malware. These malicious pop-ups can steal sensitive data or infect your device. Enabling a pop-up blocker in your browser can help prevent these threats.

How to block pop-ups in Google Chrome

• Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Site settings > Pop-ups & redirects.
• Select Don’t allow sites to send pop-ups or use redirects.

How to block pop-ups in Mozilla Firefox?

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
• Go to Permissions and check Block pop-ups.

Apply advanced protection settings

Basic online security measures like using strong passwords and keeping your software up-to-date are helpful, but sometimes they’re not enough. Advanced protection settings in your browser provide an extra layer of security by proactively scanning for suspicious downloads and notifying you of dangerous websites.

How to enable advanced protection in Google Chrome

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Security.
• Under Safe Browsing, select Advanced Protection.

This setting works across all Google services and remains active even if you switch browsers or devices, providing more comprehensive protection against online threats.

Always use secure connections

When browsing the web always look for the little padlock icon next to the website URL. This means that the website uses HTTPS, a secure protocol that encrypts data between your browser and the site. Enable this feature in your browser whenever possible to ensure a secure connection.

How to enable “Always use a secure connection” feature in Google Chrome

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Security.
• Enable the Always use secure connections option.
• Select Warn about all dangerous sites.

How to enable “Always use secure connections” in Mozilla Firefox?

• Open Settings > Privacy & Security.
• Go to Security > HTTPS Mode Only.
• Select Enable HTTPS only mode in all windows.

With this setting, your browser automatically establishes a secure connection with any site that supports HTTPS, keeping your data safe.

These features can greatly increase your online security. Enable these settings to reduce the risk of data leaks, malware infections, and identity theft.