Browser Security Best Practices

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Questions and Answers

What is the first tip mentioned in the video for browser security?

Always enable all browser extensions

Install extensions from any third-party website

Use trusted sources when downloading and installing software (correct)

Download extensions from links in emails

Where should you go to download a browser extension according to the text?

Third-party website

Any software download site

Links in an email

Directly to the browser developer’s website (correct)

Why is it a good idea to validate the hashes for downloaded files?

To modify the file contents

To improve browser performance

To ensure the file is not harmful (correct)

To speed up the download process

Which type of hash was used for validating the ISO files downloaded from the Ubuntu website?

SHA-256 sums Signup and view all the answers

Who should you trust when downloading software according to the text?

Software developers' websites Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice if you need to install a browser extension?

Validate the hash of the extension after installation Signup and view all the answers

What might cause a conflict with a certificate on a web server?

Incorrect time and date on the device Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of disabling the pop-up blocker temporarily?

To enhance online privacy Signup and view all the answers

What can you do within a browser's settings to specify exceptions for pop-up windows?

Set up pop-up window rules Signup and view all the answers

What is usually one of the troubleshooting steps when facing issues with third-party websites?

Delete browsing data Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using a private browsing mode for troubleshooting website issues?

Enhanced privacy protection Signup and view all the answers

What type of information can be synchronized across different devices using certain browsers?

Bookmarks and passwords Signup and view all the answers

What does private browsing mode delete when you close it?

Browsing history Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of browsers can help in blocking advertisements and hiding IP addresses?

Pop-ups prevention Signup and view all the answers

How can you limit the amount of information gathered from your browser?

Use private browsing mode Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of customization in browser operation?

Enhanced privacy control Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a hash checker program?

To verify the integrity of downloaded files Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to install software only from trusted websites?

To avoid potential malware infections Signup and view all the answers

What danger is associated with installing browser extensions from untrusted websites?

Potential data theft and malware installation Signup and view all the answers

How can using different passwords for every website enhance security?

It prevents attackers from accessing multiple accounts Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using a password manager or vault?

It offers encrypted storage for passwords Signup and view all the answers

Why should you always keep good backups of your system?

To revert back to a clean configuration in case of malware installation Signup and view all the answers

What does a message stating 'this connection is not private' from a browser indicate?

Expired or incorrect domain name usage Signup and view all the answers

What might happen if you reuse the same username and password across multiple websites?

Risk of widespread account breaches if one site is compromised Signup and view all the answers

What does a hash value comparison between a downloaded file and the original file validate?

The integrity and authenticity of the downloaded file Signup and view all the answers

How can suspicious websites be identified by browsers?

A warning message such as 'connection not secure' Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Installing software from untrusted sources, such as third-party websites or emails, poses a risk of downloading malware, especially when it comes to browser extensions.
A study in March 2021 revealed that more than 24 Google Chrome extensions contained malicious software, which included credential theft, screenshots, and keylogging, as well as data exfiltration.
Best practice: Download software from trusted websites, like the Chrome Web Store or Microsoft Store, to ensure security.
Validating file hashes is an effective method to ensure downloaded files are identical to those on trusted websites.
SHA 256 sums are hashes used for file verification, which can be checked using hash checker programs.
Password managers or vaults can help users maintain unique and strong passwords for each website they visit.
Password managers encrypt and store passwords on a user's machine or synchronize the information to the cloud for access across multiple devices.
Modern browsers can identify suspicious websites and warn users with messages like "this connection is not private."
Certificate details can be checked by clicking the lock icon in the browser for information on domain name, certificate authority, and time and date.
Pop-up blockers prevent unwanted ads or windows that can be temporarily disabled for troubleshooting purposes.
Browsers collect data like browsing history, download history, and cookies, which can be deleted using the "clear browsing data" option.
Private browsing mode can be used to limit data gathering and start each session with a clean slate, which is helpful for troubleshooting and maintaining privacy.
Many browsers can synchronize important information, such as bookmarks and passwords, across multiple devices using cloud storage.
Some users prefer to be recognized by websites when they visit, while others prefer privacy; browsers offer customization options to tailor the user experience.

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Description

Learn about best practices for browser security, including tips on avoiding malware-infected browser extensions and the importance of downloading software from trusted sources.