You might want to beef up Chrome security settings for one main reason–it’s your go-to browser. In an age where cybercriminals constantly try to snag passwords and create convincing fake websites, a little extra protection goes a long way.
Chrome dominates the browser market, with about 65% of internet users choosing it for daily web surfing. But its popularity makes it a prime target for hackers.
Luckily, Google has baked some handy security features right into Chrome. You can also tweak a few settings and add valuable extensions to make browsing safer.
Let’s dive into how to lock down your Chrome experience and browse with more peace of mind.
1. Use Two-Factor Authentication
Using two-step verification is like putting a double lock on your Google account. Instead of just typing in your password, you’ll need to prove it’s you in two ways.
First, you’ll enter something you know, like your password.
Then, you’ll use something you have, usually your phone. It’s like having a backup bouncer for your digital life.
Sure, it takes an extra few seconds, but it makes it harder for the hackers to break in. In the technology sector, the adoption of multi-factor authentication stands at 87%, emphasizing its critical role in data protection.
In case you are wondering how to set it up, here are the steps:
1. Go to myaccount.google.com.
2. Choose Security on the left panel.
3. Go to Signing in to Google> 2-Step Verification
Follow the steps above and get started.
2. Clear Browsing Data Regularly
Your browser remembers things, not just your passwords.
It keeps tabs on your browsing history, saves files called cookies, and holds onto all sorts of data. While this may sound harmless, it is not always the case.
Legit websites use this info to build a picture of you, such as what you like and where you’ve been online. It’s mostly for showing you ads they think you’ll click on.
But here’s the kicker: if a hacker gets their hands on this data, they could use it to break into your accounts.
The good news?
It’s pretty easy to wipe all that stored info.
You can even choose how far back you want to clean up – maybe just the last hour, or go nuclear and clear everything since day one. It’s like giving your browser a fresh start, minus the digital breadcrumbs.
To do this, simultaneously click the Ctrl+Shift+Del buttons on your keyboard or Go to Chrome’s menu and clear browsing data.
3. Delete Suspicious Extensions
Chrome extensions allow you to customize your browser and give you access to a world of possibilities when surfing.
But not all extensions are legit.
Some are like digital parasites, following you around the web, eating up your data, and waiting to cause trouble.
To protect browsers from cyber attacks, Google has started adding badges to extensions in the Chrome Web Store. This is Google’s way of helping you distinguish a legitimate extension from a spammy one.
Clean up your extensions. If they look sketchy or you need help remembering the last time you used them, kick them to the curb. This, along with advanced malware detection techniques, will keep hackers from breaking in.
You can delete suspicious and dormant extensions using the following quick steps:
1. Click on the extension icon at the top right of your browser page next to the address bar.
2. Tap the three dots on the browser extension you want to delete.
3. Click on Remove from Chrome.
4. Click on the Remove button that will pop up.
5. You have successfully uninstalled the extension.
4. Use Enhanced Browsing Protection
Enhanced browsing protection prevents you from stumbling into the sketchy corners of the internet or downloading malware. To crank up security, consider employing advanced threat protection techniques.
Chrome gives you two options for safe browsing:
a). Enhanced Protection is always on high alert, informing you about spammy sites, suspicious downloads, dodgy extensions, and even if your password’s been leaked somewhere.
b). Standard Protection is your primary security package. It will still warn you about risky sites, downloads, and extensions, but it could be more thorough. You can tell it to alert you about password breaches if you want. And if you’re feeling generous, let it share some extra security details with Google.
Enhanced Protection has your back if you want to take no chances with data security.
Go to Settings > Privacy and Security> Security > Enhanced Protection to activate enhanced browsing protection.
5. Update Chrome Security Settings to Always Use HTTPS
Most websites used HTTP back in the day, but any nosy hacker could peek at your information, which is risky when you’re typing in passwords or credit card numbers.
HTTPS connections are more secure than HTTP. HTTPS encrypts data, so even if a hacker can access it, they’ll see many random characters, making it safer.
You can update Chrome security settings to always use HTTPS, which will cause Chrome to wave a red flag when you accidentally visit an HTTP site.
Setting it up is easy. Go to your Chrome settings, find Privacy and Security> Always Use Secure Connections, and toggle it on to start browsing with an extra layer of armor.
6. Track Site Permissions
Some websites will request access to your camera, microphone, and location. You may have unknowingly granted access to a suspicious website, so it is essential to monitor site permissions regularly.
Go to Settings > Privacy and Security> Site settings to review permissions. If you notice a site you don’t trust, toggle off permissions. Do the same for associated features you never use.
7. Avoid Chrome’s Inbuilt Password Manager
While Chrome offers an in-built password manager, it may be unsafe. Using the browser to save your passwords exposes you to potential breaches. Assuming someone gained access to your browser, they may also get access to your passwords.
Google may store your password insecurely, so you may need a dedicated password manager that encrypts your passwords.
Conclusion
Tweak Chrome security settings if it is your go-to browser. Activate two-factor authentication, delete browsing data, remove suspicious extensions, use HTTPS and dedicated password managers, and enjoy peace of mind.
Taking these steps makes it way harder for cybercriminals to interfere with your browsing experience and breach data. So go on, give your Chrome a security boost. It’s worth it.