Developed by Google since 2008, Chrome has been the most widely used web browser in the world since 2012. Its market share is staggering, reaching 66% in March 2022… that's two-thirds of users! But with popularity also comes security risks, despite regular browser updates.
So in order to be able to use your browser with peace of mind, here are 7 settings to modify to improve the chrome security.
Site Permissions
Some websites can access your location data, your camera, and even your microphone. At some point, Chrome has probably asked you if sites can access this data, and you may have answered yes.
So here's how to check the sites' permissions on this data.
- Click on the three little dots at the top right of the browser to go to Chrome settings
- Then go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings
- In the Permissions section, disable access for Location, Camera, and Microphone by clicking on each one and choosing the option starting with “Do not allow sites…”
Secure DNS and Connections
Some websites are really limited in terms of security and do not have a secure connection. In order to be able to visit them without fear, activate the following elements:
- Click on the three small dots at the top right of the browser
- Then go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Security
- Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page in the advanced settings
- Enable “Always use a secure connection”
- Enable “Use secure DNS”
Pop-ups and redirects
A number of sites, more or less dubious, still display annoying pop-ups and/or automatically redirect you to other pages that may pose a security risk.
Here's how to prevent this:
- Click on the three small dots at the top right of the browser
- Then go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page in the “Content” section
- Click on “Pop-ups and redirects”
- Select “Do not allow sites to send pop-ups or use redirects”
Third party cookies
Cookies are small text files placed by sites during your visit to save certain settings. Often useful for improving navigation on these sites, they must be distinguished from third-party cookies. As their name indicates, these are not generated by the website operator but by third parties who use them for marketing targeting and personalized advertising.
- Click on the three small dots at the top right of the browser
- Then go to Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
- In the general settings, choose the option “Block third-party cookies”
Reinforced protection
For some time now, Chrome has been offering a safe browsing mode that aims to make you take less risk! This mode will warn you of potentially dangerous sites, extensions or downloads. It is therefore worth activating it.
- Click on the three small dots at the top right of the browser to access Chrome settings
- Then go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Security
- In the “Safe Browsing” section, enable the “Enhanced Protection” option
Background applications
By default, Chrome runs all its apps in the background, even when it's closed. To avoid unpleasant surprises, disable this settings to stop apps from running once Chrome is closed.
- Click on the three small dots at the top right of the browser
- Then go to Settings > System
- Disable the “Continue running background apps after closing Google Chrome” option
Security controle
Chrome has a pretty interesting little tool that lets you check the security of your browser in one click. This tool checks the reliability of the extensions you use, it makes sure that Chrome is up to date, it will check the integrity of your passwords, etc.
- Click on the three small dots at the top right of the browser
- Then go to Settings > Privacy & Security
- At the very top of the page, you will come across “Security Check”
- Click on “Check Now” to launch the tool
Conclusion – Chrome Settings and Chrome Security
These few tips should help you improve Chrome's security when you browse the web, download files or install extensions. Be careful though, the main security issue remains the user's own behavior! Don't do just anything! Besides, by using Chrome you accept that a certain amount of information about you passes through the servers of the Mountain View firm...
