This article was contributed by Ahmet Ocal, who works as a platform specialist and copywriter at WhitePress.
Microsoft Edge has become a popular choice for web browsing—offering a user-friendly interface with fast load times. Similar to most web browsers, users face risks when online. New scams have targeted Microsoft Edge and have exploited different features specific to the browser.
Learn more about how to stay safe online and which tools can help you stop hackers before they attack.
Understanding the Importance of Security on Microsoft Edge
Cybercriminals have recently developed new and innovative attacks that specifically target Microsoft Edge users. For instance, Malwarebytes has reported on a scam that appears as part of the News Feed feature in Microsoft Edge. A series of thumbnails pop up with weather, traffic updates, and advertisements. Within the advertisements, hackers have snuck in malware.
You’ll get redirected to a fake tech support page when you click on certain ads. The page will state computer access has been blocked due to a security issue. If you choose to proceed, a trojan virus often gets deployed onto the device.
Furthermore, hackers can hijack the appearance of warnings offered through the Microsoft Edge SmartScreen tool. A red-screen alert will advise the user to contact technical support. Once you call the phone number, the scammer attempts to steal sensitive information, like credit card and banking details.
Top Tips to Stay Secure on Microsoft Edge
You can use security features from Microsoft or third-party providers to safeguard your device while on Microsoft Edge. Most web security tools are low-cost or free. The following are the best ways to keep your information protected while on Microsoft Edge:
Enable Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
One of the critical security features of Microsoft Edge is Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. When turned on, the feature protects you from malicious websites and downloads. Once enabled, SmartScreen automatically blocks the loading of sites and files that are deemed suspicious. Although not consistently accurate, the setting will help reduce incidences of malware.
To enable SmartScreen in Microsoft Edge, you’ll need to visit the settings page within the browser. Under “Privacy,” you’ll locate a “Security” sub-menu. Turn on the switch for SmartScreen.
Block Unwanted Apps
In addition to protecting against malicious websites, Microsoft Edge offers an option to block potentially unwanted apps (PUAs). Enabling this option through the “Security” menu will automatically stop downloads of PUAs that may slow down your system, display unwanted ads, or attempt to install additional software.
Another security feature, Application Guard, isolates websites you launch on Microsoft Edge. This process helps protect your operating system and computer from any malware that may be present on the website. You will find the option for “New Application Guard Window” on the Microsoft Edge browser after clicking on the ellipsis icon at the top of the page.
Protecting Against Typosquatting
Another threat that has become commonplace on Microsoft Edge is a practice known as typosquatting. Typosquatting sets up websites that mimic the URLs of legitimate sites. Hackers add, delete, or slightly change characters within the address to do so.
Microsoft Edge has a built-in tool to warn users if they have typed out an incorrect URL and get directed to a potentially dangerous website. Turn on website typo protection under the “Security” menu in the browser.
Enabling Secure DNS for Enhanced Protection
One way that cybercriminals redirect users to malicious sites is through a practice known as DNS hijacking. A DNS query will get incorrectly resolved, and you’ll end up on a phishing website. Malicious agents launch the attack by installing malware on your device, taking over your router, or intercepting DNS communications.
Under the “Security” menu, you can select a specific DNS provider to prevent any hijacking attempts. Each DNS provider listed has enabled secure DNS. Choices include Google, Cloudflare, OpenDNS, or NextDNS.
Enhanced Security Mode
Microsoft Edge provides an enhanced security mode to customize your protection against malware and other online threats better. When enabled, you’ll have to select between Balanced and Strict.
Most users choose the Balanced level of security protection. In this mode, you’ll get enhanced security features when going to websites you don’t usually visit. The Balanced mode typically doesn’t interfere with the functionality of the website.
The Strict level turns on security protection for all websites. You’ll receive enhanced protection within the browser each time you visit a website. However, the tool may cause issues with specific sites or parts of sites. You may go back and forth between the two modes if you encounter frequent problems.
To get started, turn on the switch for “Enhance your security on the web” under the “Security” menu. Once enabled, you can choose either a Balanced or Strict level of protection. Customize the setting further by selecting options like enabling Strict mode in private browsing mode.
Leveraging a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Proxy Extensions
A VPN and proxy extensions are additional tools to consider when you want to stay protected on Microsoft Edge or other browsers. Not all websites offer security features like encryption while browsing. A proxy extension is a type of browser add-on. Once installed, it will configure a proxy to the browser. The proxy extension encrypts the HTTP traffic. You’ll get features like ad blocking and protection against malicious links with proxy extensions.
VPNs keep you safe online by hiding your IP address and your location. While browsing on the VPN, you’ll browse on an encrypted network. VPN companies can provide proxy extensions as part of the available service packages. You need to download the specific extension for Microsoft Edge for the feature to work correctly.
A Few Final Words
Securing your browsing experience is crucial to prevent malware and phishing attempts. Microsoft Edge offers a range of built-in security options to protect you from potential threats and scams. Along with enabling the security tools, you can use a VPN and proxy extension to safeguard your browsing experience.
Remember to also practice basic cybersecurity techniques while on the Microsoft Edge browser. Ensure you have an updated firewall and antivirus software installed on your device. Only share information online if you can confirm the legitimacy of the website.
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Last Updated on January 18, 2024 3:22 pm CET by Markus Kasanmascheff
