The Best Web Browser for Software Protection and Malware

The Best Web Browser 2021

You probably don’t know much about your internet browser, other than its name, right? It can’t be that important. Actually, this could not be further from the truth. We all use our trusty browsers to log onto the internet and assume that they’re pretty much all the same. Their main function, after all, is to find, display and transfer information from the World Wide Web to you.

In reality, each browser is a little different to the other. When it comes to their display, you might like the classic appeal of Internet Explorer or maybe rather prefer the minimalist approach Chrome takes to internet browsing. But internet browsers aren’t just a pretty interface. They also keep your data and information secure.

With any browser, it’s important to always use an antivirus to make sure you are protected on all fronts.

We recommend Firefox as the best browser. 

Get Software and Malware Protection With The Best Web Browsers

1. Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla has been up and down in the fight for top spot as the best web browser, but it seems that in 2019, it has reclaimed its crown recently, giving users the biggest update in as long as 13 years. That has to count for something. Firefox, once well known for its speed, had been more than lacking in the past few years when it comes to speed, but that is no longer the case.

With a complete reconstruction of their code base, Mozilla has risen from the ashes and in terms of speed is once again classed with Google Chrome.

Apart from having great flexibility, Mozilla is the best web browser for security.

Why? Mozilla is a non-profit, meaning it won’t have the same incentive to sell your data as other browsers might. They stay on top of their game using regular updates and constantly incorporating new features such as password-free logins as well as automatic ad tracker blocking.

Here are some more reasons why we love Mozilla Firefox:

• Uses the newest World Wide Web Standards for rendering
• Supports newer technology
• Easily incorporates extensions
• Simple to use
• Incredibly fast
• Excellent phishing protection score
• Cache automatically clears
• Proficient parental controls
• Password manager
• Private Browsing
• Pop-up blocker

2. Google Chrome

Chrome is definitely the most popular option when it comes to internet browsers, but with its popularity comes the burden of being under constant attack, making other browsers more secure than Google Chrome. Nonetheless, Chrome accounts for well over half of the internet browser usage, with others trailing behind. So what does Chrome offer its users?

Their efficient browser is faster than any other on the market and there are tweaks and options that really make this browser adaptable to the individual’s needs. In addition to Chrome’s performance being brilliant, their interface is minimalist and simple, which really appeals to users worldwide.

Here are some more reasons why we love Google Chrome:

• Fastest loading time of all websites
• Supports new web coding standards
• Easily integrates with Gmail and other Google features
• Easily incorporates extensions
• Best developer tools for troubleshooting broken websites
• Cloud syncing available
• Private browsing
• Custom extensions
• Supported by Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android and iOS

In saying that, there are some downfalls when it comes to Google Chrome, including the fact that it is one of the heaviest browsers out there, so if you have limited RAM on your device, it might be an idea to use a different browser altogether.

You may also not feel too comfortable knowing that the most popular browser in the world also has the most security vulnerabilities and in avoiding that, Google uses your browsing data to fix these problems.

Chrome is making great strides in terms of keeping your internet experience secure with password-free logins and two-factor authentication.

3. Apple Safari

If you have a Mac computer, iPhone, iPad or laptop then you’re probably using Apple Safari as your internet browser of choice. This is probably the best browser option available at the moment, with both its launch and page load times being very impressive. It is incredibly simple to use with its easy interface making it a favorite for iOS users. On the other hand, speed is second to none as it takes an average of under a second to start up and 3.4 seconds to navigate and load websites.

There are some great features like Top Sites and Reading List that set Safari apart from the rest, but it lacks in that it isn’t customizable like Chrome or Firefox are. In terms of security, Safari will let you know of any websites that it deems dangerous, recognizing even some Windows threats. There is a private browsing mode in Safari and you are also able to delete private data like your browsing history.

Safari isn’t compatible with Windows, but if you’re looking for a Mac, iPhone, iPad or Android phone browser, this is a solid option.

Here are some more reasons why we love Safari:

• Parental controls
• Password manager
• Pop-up blocker
• Private browsing
• Tabbed browsing
• Voice interaction
• Open-source management

5. Microsoft Internet Explorer

Many internet users have long forgotten Microsoft Internet Explorer, while others avoided it like the plague, rather choosing the above-mentioned browsers instead for their internet needs. Granted, Microsoft has some compatibility issues in that Internet Explorer is no longer issuing updates, and their newest browser, Microsoft Edge is only compatible with Windows 10 or higher.

In saying that, Internet Explorer has pretty good safety features including those that will protect you from phishing schemes and malware. Additionally, you can facilitate tools that will erase your browser history and block cookies so that you cannot be a victim of spyware. Also, you can use a privacy browser, making it much harder for third parties to track your online activity. Although it isn’t a bad option, Internet Explorer was much slower than its competition taking as long as 4.53 seconds to load websites.

Here are some more reasons why we love Internet Explorer:

• Functionality
• Easy to use
• Offers Microsoft help support
• Demands less RAM

Why we don’t like Internet Explorer:

• Slow
• Bug issues
• Doesn’t handle extensions well
• Google’s V8 benchmark rated it lackluster

Why the Best Browser Matters

With a constant upsurge in phishing and malware threats, internet browsers such as Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Apple Safari now include protection from these attacks. How do they protect your browsing activities online? These browsers will usually refer to a blacklist of websites which have been reported to contain malicious software. If a site contains phishing software it is most likely that it will attempt to steal your personal information, or if it contains signs of malware, it might send and install malware onto your computer.

When you try to head over to a website that has been blacklisted, you will be stopped in your tracks and warned of the possible dangers of using that particular website.

Google Chrome explains their process in keeping you protected,

“If you have phishing and malware protection enabled, then Google Chrome will contact servers at Google within five minutes of startup, and approximately every half hour thereafter, to download updated lists of suspected phishing and malware websites.

These lists are then stored on your computer, so that as you browse the web, each page can be checked against the list of suspected phishing and malware websites locally, without sending the address of each webpage you visit to Google.

This is designed to offer both performance (by not having to wait on a round-trip request to Google’s servers) and privacy (by not sending a record of your browsing session to Google).”

So Google updates its security by having their software robots regularly comb through the internet looking for threats, but what about the others? Mozilla uses Safe Browsing technology as well as Unwanted Software policy, while Microsoft aids its browser in checking websites by using their SmartScreen filter.

As you can see, there is a lot that your internet browser is doing to keep your internet experience a safe and positive one, but you must make sure that your chosen browser is up to date and these previously mentioned filters are switched on.

Keeping Your Browser Protected

In addition to having a browser protecting your online activities, it is ideal to invest in an antivirus, which will be the cherry on top of your internet security. Hackers are always looking for new ways to penetrate your devices and take off with your most sensitive data.

Proven and reliable antivirus software like Avast and AVG will do their best in securing your data. This is done by continuously running in the background and checking how your system is functioning. Staying on the lookout for viruses and malware as soon as your computer is switched on, these programs are extra vigilant when you’re downloading files or checking emails.

The best antivirus protection will be able to offer you the following features:

• Defence against viruses, spyware, Trojans, phishing, and malware
• Safeguard your identity
• Protection of multiple devices
• Password managers
• Parental control
• File protection
• Protects your online banking and shopping activities
• Frequent updates
• Integrated VPN
• User-friendly interface

If you want to know more about the best antivirus programs available for Windows, make sure to check out our review here. If you have a Mac device, we have also reviewed some of the best antivirus software for you too. Make sure to read it here.

The Bottom Line

As you may have learned, there is so much more to your internet browser than you might have previously thought. In addition to presenting you with the information you discover on the internet, a great and safe internet browser will be able to keep your personal data protected. The current top four browsers include Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari and Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Your best bet for a secure internet browser in 2020 is Mozilla Firefox, mainly due to the fact that they are a non-for-profit, meaning they will not have any incentives to give or sell your data away to third parties. Additionally, they have come incredibly far in upping their speed and performance, making the biggest changes in one of their recent updates, in the past thirteen years.

Identity theft and malware are on the rise and have been for the past few years so it is vital to keep your information protected. Cybercriminals are getting more savvy and creative in their bid to steal your information, with the US being the top target of these individuals. Make sure to keep on top of browser security and protect your personal data. Additionally, you can invest in an antivirus program and breathe easy when surfing the net.