10 Ways to Protect Google Chrome Browser

Google Chrome is the most widely used browser today. It has exceptional features with a user-friendly interface which is why it is preferred among the masses. However, users can still have security breaches if they are not aware of the ways to maximize their browser’s protection. On desktop computers, internet browser is the main way a person gets the information from the web. So the hackers always target browsers to spread malicious software. In this article, we explore some of the ways through which a user can ensure additional protection on Google Chrome.

10 Ways to Protect Google Chrome Browser

1. Browse appropriate sites
2. Using default Chrome protection
3. Disable JavaScript
4. Delete cookies
5. Use VPN
6. Browse in incognito mode
7. Avoid Chrome password manager
8. Use guest mode
9. Block ads and pop-ups
10. Use security extensions

1. Control Your Browsing Activities

Security does not come outside it starts from you. There are lots of distractions come on our way when you try to work on a task or browse in Chrome. Most important distractions are social notification that will take you somewhere wandering around the web. At the end, you not only procrastinate your work but also end up in downloading unnecessary files or clicking malicious links.

So ensure to control your browsing behavior:

• Don’t click on the glamorous images showing as related content at the end of webpages.
• Avoid clicking unknown links from Gmail or websites.
• Don’t download and open executable and other files from unreliable sources.

2. Default Chrome Protection

Chrome offers safe browsing experience by blocking unsafe websites. Ensure to enable safe browsing settings to protect you from dangerous sites.

• Go to “chrome://settings” and click on the “Advanced” option in the bottom of the page.
• Enable “Safe browsing” option under “Privacy and security” settings.

Also you can use Chrome’s cleanup tool on Windows 10 to identify and cleanup malware that affects the browser.

3. Disabling JavaScript

JavaScript is a programming language, helps the browser to run various applications and programs on the browser. It is essential for some online streaming websites like YouTube. Moreover, it also plays its part in pop-up boxes and advertisements you see while browsing the internet. Hackers inject viruses and other malicious content to your computer through JavaScript enabled apps and websites. Disabling JavaScript can stop some applications and webpages to work properly but if security is the major concern, you can follow the following steps to disable it:

• Click on customize and control icon and click on “Settings” menu.

• Click on the “Advanced” link and go to “Privacy and security > Content settings”.

• By default Chrome allows JavaScript on all websites.
• You can click on JavaScript option and disable it.

Remember, most modern websites need JavaScript to display the content properly. Disabling JavaScript may break the display of websites that rely on scripts. So add specific websites in the blacklist, instead of blocking at browser level.

4. Delete Cookies

Cookie is a multipurpose data file used by the website owners. It helps to keep track of user activity, remember account details and history. Hackers primarily target cookies to extract the sensitive information like password, credit card and account details. Hence, it becomes necessary to delete cookies if you are looking to increase the protection of Google Chrome.

Remember to save your work on the browser and log out from all logged in websites before deleting the cookies. After making sure you have saved the important data, follow the steps below and delete the cookies.

• Type or paste “chrome://settings/clearBrowserData” in Chrome address bar and hit enter.
• You will see a pop-up for “Clear browser data”.

• Select the “Time range” as “All time”.
• Check the “Cookies and other site data” box and click on “Clear data”button.
• It will delete all the saved cookies.
• It is also good practice to delete browsing history and cached content to keep Chrome clean.

5. Use VPN

If you are looking for an absolute protection for Google Chrome then, go for a VPN service. VPN or Virtual Private Network reroutes all your network data to an external server bypassing your internet service provider. This means your browsing activities are anonymous, safe and secure.

You can install VPN apps on Google Chrome using extensions. Chrome Web Store offers plenty of free or premium extensions for Chrome. Depending upon your need, choose an extension like ExpressVPN and enjoy the ultimate level of protection.

6. Browse in Incognito Mode

By default Chrome saves all your browsing history to retrieve the data faster when you access the same content later. However, anyone having access to your computer can open Chrome and view your browsing history. If you are using a shared computer, ensure to use incognito mode. Chrome will not save your browsing history, cookies and account details in incognito mode. As soon as you close the incognito mode window, the session comes to an end and no other users can track your browsing history.

• In order to work on incognito mode, click on the three doted “Customize and control” icon.
• Click on “New Incognito Window”. 
• You can also launch Chrome by default with incognito mode.

7. Aware of Chrome Password Manager

Chrome has a built-in password manager that will allow you to save all your login passwords. Though this is very handy, it has no protection other than your computer’s administrator password. Anyone having your admin password can go to “chrome://settings/passwords” and export your entire passwords in a single click by providing admin password.

We strongly recommend using password management tool to store your passwords outside Chrome. You will have master password to access the details. This will help even other administrators using your computer can’t view or download the passwords.

8. Use Guest Mode

There are situations; you may need to borrow your friends or colleagues computer for using short period. For example, you are in a café running out of mobile battery and need to access your Gmail quickly. When borrowing computer from others, ensure to logout Chrome from their user account. You can open new window in guest mode for browsing.

Similar to incognito mode, Chrome guest mode also does not store any browsing history. This will help you to protect your activities viewed by the computer owner.

9. Block Ads, Downloads and and Pop-ups

Advertisements are the only source of income for many small scale publishers. However, clicking on unreliable ads will take you to different sites than the one showing on the ad banner. Sometimes, simply clicking on the ad will start downloading file to your computer. Be sure to block the websites that show inappropriate ads to protect the browser.

Similarly, you can block annoying pop-ups and automatic downloads to avoid distraction on the web while browsing.

10. Chrome Security Extensions

Generally speaking, extensions are not good for browser’s health. However, you can use trusted and safe extensions from Chrome Web Store. Search for security extensions and install on Chrome to improve the protection and safeguard your browsing activities.

Conclusion

Google Chrome is simply a great browser in which a user can have added protection through direct and indirect methods. Each and every method has its pros and cons but ultimately, it depends on the user that how much he or she wants to priorities security. Along with all the above-mentioned methods, it is necessary to stay away from malicious websites and always keep an eye on the website you are browsing.