All of the most popular browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, have different security advantages and shortcomings. We've put them through rigorous tests, to find out which is best for you.
When it comes to the most secure browsers, there are a number of different opinions out there. The recent out-of-schedule emergency patches for Internet Explorer that Microsoft has rolled-out have had some pundits recommending any browser but IE as the best security defence.
Although there is some safety in using less frequently attacked software, a better question is which is the safest choice among the most popular browsers? What are the most important security features to look for in a browser, and what are the weaknesses to beware?
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 review
- Google Chrome review
- Apple Safari 3.0.4 review
- Mozilla Firefox 3.1 review
- Opera 9.5 review
This review focuses on security features of the following Windows-based internet browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Opera Software's Opera and Apple's Safari. All but Chrome are included because they rank among the most popular browsers, with long track records and millions of users.
Google Chrome is included because it boasts a unique security model and the wide expectation to significantly eat into the other browsers' market share. The latest publicly available versions (including beta versions) have been used in the review. Each browser has been tested on Windows XP Pro SP3 and Windows Vista Enterprise.
The purpose of this review was to test each browser's security fitness. As such, these reviews generally do not cover any new features not related to security. Also, since this review was focused on testing the security of each particular browser, all browsers were tested with the default vendor-installed add-ons only.
For example, although NoScript is a popular Firefox browser add-on often installed to enhance security, it isn't installed by default and isn't created by the vendor, so it wasn't included in the review.
Full disclosure: the author of this article is employed full-time by Microsoft as a security architect. He has no involvement in the development or marketing of Internet Explorer. He uses multiple browsers across several OS platforms on a daily basis and has several favorites, including browsers not included in this review.
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Comments
montse said: Succinct and to the point
RSebire said: All sites have vulnerabilities unless stated formally but the FBI therefore how can a browser be secure Java based code library and Python as such current form Net 1-Net2 and yes Net3 compatible allow all user to deengineer the HTML DHTML ect of the website even before the browsers is directed to it by DYnsThe only safe way of browsing the web is to use tried and test applications such as MSIE and Firefox remember Netscapethe newer generation promise a lot but have no credentials to support their claimsI prefer Firefox 3 with no script adblock and grease monkey as it allows me to use an firewall open NAT Port as software and internet based virus scanner a Peer guardian and an annomiser simultaneously - Thus 100 java executable code without malformations exploitsPlus i can chose how and what is displayed to me plus I know this might sound unpopular I do effectively disconnect around 50 countries from my internet and any of there productsSimple really
Ron said: Ha The most common complaint I see on my blog is - to put it politely - Chrome is an abomination I do prefer it with the profanity though Having tried this barely-formed foetus of a browser I have to agree
Si said: Surprise surprise that the author has nothing bad to say about IE8 despite it being in beta stage but can critique the other browsers But what do you expect when he works for MicrosoftPCA Are you seriously telling me that you couldnt find an impartial reviewer or do Microsoft sponsor you to put these up