Secure browsing on Windows is more critical than ever, as threats continue to evolve. Even for advanced users, it’s easy to overlook best practices that can make a real difference in your online safety. This guide provides actionable, step-by-step techniques tailored for advanced users who want to maximize online privacy and security.
How Do You Harden Your Browser Settings?
Start by selecting a privacy-focused browser, such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge, then apply the following hardening steps:
1. Disable Third-Party Cookies
Go to your browser’s settings. In Firefox, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Enhanced Tracking Protection and select “Strict”. In Edge, go to Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions > Manage and delete cookies and site data, and set it to “Block third-party cookies”.
2. Block Pop-Ups and Redirects
In Edge, under Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions > Pop-ups and redirects, toggle the switch to block pop-ups. In Firefox, go to Settings > Privacy & Security and check “Block pop-up windows”.
3. Disable Unneeded Plugins and Extensions
Regularly audit installed add-ons. Remove or disable any you don’t use, as they can introduce vulnerabilities. Always download extensions directly from official stores and review permissions before installing.
What Steps Should You Take to Keep Browsers Updated?
Browsers frequently patch security flaws. Automate updates for peace of mind.
1. Enable Automatic Updates
In Edge: Settings > About Microsoft Edge – updates are automatic but check regularly.
In Firefox: Settings > General > Firefox Updates, select “Automatically install updates”.
2. Verify Installed Version
Periodically check your browser version (usually found under Help > About) and compare it to the vendor’s official latest release.
How Can You Use Secure DNS to Prevent Tracking and Phishing?
Switching to a secure DNS provider can block malicious domains and prevent some forms of tracking.
1. Configure Secure DNS in Windows 11
Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet or Wi-Fi > Hardware Properties > Edit under DNS server assignment.
Select “Manual”, turn on IPv4, and enter secure DNS addresses (e.g., Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1, Google DNS: 8.8.8.8).
For DNS-over-HTTPS, select a supported provider and enable the option if available.
How Do You Leverage Browser Sandboxing for Enhanced Security?
Modern browsers use sandboxing to isolate web content, but you can further reinforce isolation.
1. Use Windows Sandbox (Windows 10/11 Pro and Enterprise)
Enable: Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows Features On or Off > Windows Sandbox.
Launch Windows Sandbox from Start, then open your browser inside the sandbox environment.
When finished, close Sandbox to discard all changes.
2. Utilize Browser Profiles or Containers
In Firefox, use Multi-Account Containers to isolate different browsing sessions.
In Edge, create separate profiles for personal and work browsing.
Which Extensions Should You Use to Boost Privacy?
Select privacy-enhancing extensions with care.
1. uBlock Origin
Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains.
Install from the browser’s add-on store and configure advanced filters for strict blocking.
2. HTTPS Everywhere
Forces encrypted HTTPS connections where possible. Note: This is less necessary as most browsers now enforce HTTPS by default, but it can still help in edge cases.
3. Cookie AutoDelete (Firefox/Edge)
Automatically deletes unused cookies when you close tabs.
How Can You Manage Your Digital Footprint with Glary Utilities?
Glary Utilities is a comprehensive solution for cleaning and optimizing your system, including privacy protection.
1. Install Glary Utilities
Download from the official website and install.
2. Use “Tracks Eraser”
Open Glary Utilities > Privacy & Security > Tracks Eraser.
Select browsers and items to erase (cache, cookies, history).
Click “Erase Now” to remove browsing traces from all major browsers.
3. Schedule Regular Cleanups
In Glary Utilities, go to Settings > Schedule, set up regular privacy cleanups to automate the process.
What Role Does Private Browsing or Incognito Mode Play?
Private browsing prevents browsers from saving history, cookies, or form data.
1. Open Private Windows
In Edge: Ctrl+Shift+N
In Firefox: Ctrl+Shift+P
Use for sensitive sessions but remember: ISPs and some websites can still track your activity.
How Should You Handle Site Permissions and Certificates?
Restrict unnecessary site permissions and verify certificate validity.
1. Review Site Permissions
In Edge: Click the padlock icon in the address bar > Permissions for this site.
Remove location, camera, and microphone permissions unless absolutely necessary.
2. Check Certificates
Before entering sensitive information, click the padlock in the address bar.
Inspect certificate details and issuer, especially on sites that handle financial or personal data.
How Can Security Software and Firewalls Add an Extra Layer?
Use reputable antivirus and configure the Windows Firewall for added protection.
1. Ensure Windows Defender is Active
Windows Security > Virus & threat protection – confirm that it’s running and up to date.
2. Configure Firewall Rules
Windows Security > Firewall & network protection > Advanced settings.
Restrict inbound/outbound rules to necessary apps only.
How Do You Avoid Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks?
Even advanced users can fall for sophisticated attacks.
1. Always Inspect URLs
Hover over links before clicking. Watch for spelling errors or unusual domains.
2. Use Password Managers
Password managers (e.g., Bitwarden, KeePass) auto-fill passwords only on legitimate sites, reducing phishing risks.
3. Train Against Phishing
Regularly participate in phishing simulations if available at work, and stay updated on common attack techniques.
How to Monitor and Respond to Security Incidents?
Regularly audit your accounts and respond quickly to suspicious activity.
1. Set Up Login Alerts
Enable login notifications for your main email and financial accounts.
2. Use Browser Security Reports
In Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Security settings.
Review security reports and address flagged issues.
3. Monitor Windows Activity with Glary Utilities
Use Glary Utilities’ “Process Manager” to monitor running processes and spot unusual activity.
Investigate unknown processes using online resources like VirusTotal.
Putting It All Together
By integrating these techniques into your daily workflow, you significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to browser-based threats. Advanced users should treat these steps as part of a routine security audit—regular maintenance, combined with tools like Glary Utilities, will keep your Windows environment clean, private, and secure.