Google Chrome is safe but here’s how to make it even safer to use

If I were a betting lady, I would guess that you use Google Chrome. It is by far the most popular browser in the world. It’s not my choice if you’re looking for the most privacy. Scan my list of browsers ranked by privacy.

After all, Google probably knows every website you visit, where you go, what you buy online, who you communicate with, and more. Tap or click here for eight ways Google is invading your privacy.

Still, Chrome is a solid browser. There are ways to make it even better.

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The important things first

Before we get to settings, take the time to make sure Chrome is up to date. This happens automatically when you exit and reopen the program, but it’s worth checking every now and then.

Open Chrome, then tap three vertical dots to the right of your profile icon.

Hover over it in the drop-down menu Help and select About Google Chrome.

If an update is available, it will start. click reboot break up.

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1. Make your account harder to crack

Your Chrome profile is linked to your Google account. Two-step verification (or two-factor authentication) adds an extra layer of security to your account.

Once you set it up, you sign in to your Google account in two steps: something you know (your password) and something you have (like your phone). Keep in mind that this is only required when signing in with a new device.

To set it up for Google:

Go to myaccount.google.com.

In the left pane, select Security.

Under Sign in to Google, select 2-step verification, and then select Get started.

Follow the on-screen steps.

Better safe than sorry: Hackers want Google accounts. Do this safety check now!

2. Run Chrome’s Security Check tool

Chrome’s security check scans your account for compromised passwords and available updates. It also enables Safe Browsing, a setting that identifies unsafe websites and notifies you of potential harm.

You can perform a security check at any time:

Open Chrome, then tap three vertical dots to the right of your profile icon.

Choose settings > privacy and security from the left panel.

Select under Security check Check now.

Select the item and follow the on-screen instructions. Chrome checks for updates, compromised passwords, malicious extensions, and more.

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3. Extensions can put you at risk

Extensions allow you to add powerful functionality to your browser. Think coupon finder, grammar checker, and screenshot tools. But not all extensions are helpful. Some track you across the internet, take up your bandwidth, or even infect your computer with malware.

It’s not just unknown downloads either. Five extensions hiding malware were recently detected with 1.4 million downloads. Tap or click the list to see if you have one installed.

Not sure what’s safe? Chrome assigns a “Recommended” badge to extensions that “meet Google’s technical best practices and meet a high standard of user experience and design.”

It’s also helpful to search the web for phrases like “Is (the extension you’re using) safe to use?”.

To remove an extension from Chrome:

Open chromethen tap three vertical dots to the right of your profile icon.

Hover over it More tools and select extensions.

click Remove on the extension you want to remove, and then click Remove again.

4. Enable HTTPS First mode

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is used to load pages via hypertext links. Websites using HTTP are not secure. Because of this, you should stick to websites that start with HTTPS. (The additional “S” stands for secure.) This encrypts the contents of a website.

Chrome’s HTTPS-First mode tries to load all websites over HTTPS and displays a warning before visiting a website that doesn’t support it. How to activate it:

Open chromethen tap three vertical dots to the right of your profile icon.

Choose settings > privacy and securitythen security.

In the Advanced section, slide the toggle next to Always use secure connections to the right (on) to activate it.

Speaking of safety, I hear all the time from people who have fallen for an online scam. It’s a shame, but it happens. Here are three steps you should take if this happens to you.

5. Be careful with incognito mode

No, incognito mode does Not Make everything you do private. It has some uses but let’s be clear. Incognito mode does not hide your activity from the websites you visit. You can still be tracked, your ISP can still see what you’re doing, and your data can still be shared with third parties.

So what does it do? When you surf the Internet incognito, your browser does not store your browsing history, cookies, website data, or information you enter into forms. However, it keeps any downloaded files or bookmarks created during the session.

There are a few things I think Incognito is particularly good at: shopping, keeping embarrassing searches out of your history, and keeping home and work separate.

Tap or click for my tips on how to get the most out of Incognito.

ARE HACKERS IN YOUR PHONE? FIND OUT HERE

Keep your technical knowledge up to date

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PODCAST CHOICE: Amazon police plans, flying taxis, robotic manicures

Get a $10 manicure from a robot, change that secret Google Maps setting, and watch out for flying taxis. Also, Amazon is testing police stations as parcel pickup points, WFH jobs that pay $20 an hour, and YouTube will allow developers to offer paid video courses next year.

Find my Kim Komando Today podcast on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player.

Just search for my last name “Komando”.

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Learn more about the latest technology at The Kim Commando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and shares advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets Online privacy and data hacks.

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