According to NSS Labs, the lack of web browser security is one of the most common reasons for malware infection.

As a company, NSS Labs states that, “Browsers offer a direct and unique route for infection, bypassing corporate protection layers and bringing malware deep into the corporate environment, often protecting malicious traffic from detection using SSL. Browsers must provide a strong layer of defense from malware, rather than defer to operating system antimalware solutions. This series examines the effectiveness of leading browsers to block malware.”

How’s your browser security? Is your computer, software, or saved files at risk?

Use NSS Labs to test for malware. NSS Labs software tests for malicious items on your computer; worms, spyware, adware Trojan horses, viruses, etc. Malicious software may be used to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private networks. Malware is implements through coding and scripts and then executed on an unprotected computer after you click something.

How can you protect yourself and your computer?

Test your browser: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari can all be tested

Run a sample: Sample tests can determine if you have malicious software on your computer. There are roughly 750,000 test cases run over the past 75 days. Over 84,000 tests show actively malicious URLs in use.

In Internet Explorer 9, browser security tests performed by NSS Labs resulted in 95% of malware found and stopped. Firefox and Safari blocked 6%. Google Chrome ranged from 13% to 74% based on which version of the browser was used.

What you need to know…

  1. Have antivirus software. Free software can be downloaded from AVG.
  2. Always update to the latest browser version. Don’t get caught running old versions of a browser. Every browser makes updates for a reason – to protect your computer and provide a easier-to-use options.
  3. Don’t click on things that you are unfamiliar with. If you don’t know why a link is somewhere or it doesn’t make sense – don’t click it! Pay particular attention to those links in emails.

Download the NSS Labs report on the internet for free or read more about it by following this link: Your Browser is Putting You at Risk: General Malware Blocking.

Written by Ami Reist.