Does Web Browser Choice Affect Security?

A recent survey revealed that many people still don't realize how applications might affect overall system security. The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of browser maker Opera Software, was given to 2800 people. Fifty-one percent of those surveyed thought that their choice of browser software could be a factor in whether their systems become infiltrated by malicious software.

Likewise the survey revealed that 49 percent thought otherwise. Of that 49 percent, 17 percent thought that the browser played no role in overall system security and 32 percent said they didn't know one way or the other.

"Changing to a more secure browser is one of the simplest ways for Web users to make surfing safer and minimize the risk of falling victim to virus, spyware or phishing attacks," said Håkon Wium Lie, chief technology officer at Opera Software.

That may be true, but it isn't the only way to improve browser security to help eliminate the possible inroads used by various forms of malware. For example, simple adjustments to Internet Explorer's security zone settings (whether through configuration dialogs or registry hacks) can dramatically improve overall system security. Other tactics, such as turning off Java and Javascript, can be used with any browser.

Nevertheless, Opera Software said that their Web browser has one of the best track records in terms of how many security problems have been discovered as well as turnaround time for the correction of those problems. "According to Secunia reports, Opera has required less security advisories and has recorded faster response time as compared to other browsers," said a spokesperson for the company.

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Anonymous User May 31, 2005 (Article Rating:

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Another simple way to secure your system, regardless of browser used, is to NOT run as "administrator". Logon on the system with the lowest possible privileges needed (general user), which will limit the amount of damage any malware can cause.

Anonymous User May 31, 2005 (Article Rating:

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Not using IE and opting for another browser will cause problems down the line for IT staff. IE is becoming the "Client" to many newer applications that Microsoft is releasing. These applications are highly desirable to business needs and if a policy of "No IE" is in use, I can see how some people will be out in the cold.

So we have IE. Target of the denizens of Information Technology Tartarus. If one moves to another browser it only creates another target. And IE can be secured to a large extent.

Thanks for a good article.

SCG May 31, 2005 (Article Rating:

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Firefox is a mess of security holes. The thing has so many security holes it's already on its fifth version .. and it came out in December! That's almost a new version a month.

Patching for Internet Explorer, on the other hand, has decidely slowed. Most of the holes have been found long ago and patched.

My brother got his first virus after installing Firefox .. the Java that came with it had a security hole that let them walk right in.

Geesh.

Anonymous User June 01, 2005 (Article Rating:

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"recent survey revealed that many people still don't realize how the OS might affect overall security.[...] For example, simple switching the OS can dramatically improve overall security."

Anonymous User June 03, 2005 (Article Rating:

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