Browsers are the link between our computers and the internet, each providing the connection to the world wide web.

There are four main browsers, Google's Chrome, Mozilla's Firefox, Microsoft's Edge (formerly Internet Explorer) and Apple's Safari. Each have their own respective strengths and weaknesses and each responds differently to protect your security and privacy?

We've opted to discuss the big four browsers that specialize in security and privacy, though there are many different offshoot browsers of these four.  This can be seen in examples such as Brave (based on Chromium), Ice Dragon (based on Firefox), and TOR Browser (based on Firefox).

It's entirely possible to run a standardized program with a few options that are altered to enhance your security and privacy and with the addition of a few plugins be as secure as using a dedicated and specialized program with the added bonus of frequent updates.

Best practices are to use an open source browser with additional addon or extensions to ensure your privacy and security. As such, WeVPN advises using Mozilla Firefox due to it's open source nature and library of extensions to increase privacy and security.

Chrome

• Developer: Google
• Open Source: No
• Update Frequency: ~14 Days
• Security: Excellent
• Privacy: Poor

Background: 

Chrome was launched in 2008 and is currently the most used browser with nearly 75% of people preferring to use it. Given the browser’s reputation for speed and the prevalence of Google services in our lives, Chrome quickly became the most widely used browser.

Security: 

Google has always been known as a leader for browser security. In addition to leading its competitors in update frequency and scanning for harmful downloads. Google also automatically updates Chrome to the latest version, ensuring its users are always enjoying the latest security improvements and browsing features. The latest version of Chrome also boasts the security test score and is only matched by the Chrome mobile version.

Privacy: 

While the browser does offer the usual pop-up blocker and allows users to send a “Do Not Track” request along with their browser traffic, one simply cannot ignore that Chrome belongs to the company that makes millions from knowing everything about you. And although there are ways around this, it doesn’t change the fact that Google is using Chrome to learn about you and then monetizing that information. Furthermore, since Chrome is a closed-source browser, it means that the source code is not able to be inspected to ensure that nothing is hidden in the code.

Edge

• Developer: Microsoft
• Open Source: No
• Update Frequency: ~30 Days
• Security: Average
• Privacy: Average

Background: 

Before the release of Chrome, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer had a virtual monopoly on browser market share. Microsoft replaced Internet Explorer with Edge which became the default browser installed with Windows 10 and replaced Internet Explorer in Windows Updates.

Security:

Edge is based on the Chromium browser (like Chrome) and like other browsers, offers malware protection, blocking reported attack websites/web forgeries, and warning users when a site is trying to install add-ons.

Privacy:

Edge allows you to toggle pop-up blockers and send a 'do not track' request to both the sites you visit and the third parties whose content is featured on those sites. Edge features a 'Tracking Protection' feature that lets you subscribe to tracking protection lists. The browser will then prevent listed sites from dropping cookies onto your browser. Whilst Edge is based on the open source Chromium, it is closed source and features custom functionality (such Microsoft account syncing) that is not open source.

Firefox

• Developer: Mozilla Foundation
• Open Source: Yes
• Update Frequency: ~28 Days
• Security: Excellent
• Privacy: Excellent

Background:

Of all the browsers featured in this ranking, Firefox is the only one that is developed by a nonprofit organization. The browser is well known for its customization options and has long been a favored alternative to Chrome and Internet Explorer. The TOR Browser is based on Firefox due to its open-source code, security and privacy options.

Security: 

Firefox offers a suite of security features that any internet user will appreciate: malware protection, blocking reported attack websites/web forgeries, and warning users when a site is trying to install add-ons. While it is still a step behind Chrome in this area, the difference is tiny. Firefox users can take solace in knowing their preferred browser is one of the most secure offerings around.

Privacy: 

Firefox was the first browser to introduce the 'Do Not Track' feature. Although a revolutionary feature when it was first introduced, this is now standard across major web browsers and still requires ad networks to honor the user’s wishes to not be tracked. In keeping with the times, Firefox now also features 'Tracking Protection', allowing users to subscribe to tracking protection lists and protect themselves against cookie-dumping by third parties. Most important of all, Firefox is the only major web browser that is open-source. This means anyone can examine Firefox’s source code, making sure there are no elements hidden in the source code.

Safari

• Developer: Apple
• Open Source: No
• Update Frequency: 58 Days
• Security: Excellent
• Privacy: Excellent

Background: 

The name Safari may be foreign to most Windows users, but Apple’s own web browser was actually featured on PC until 2012, after which it became available only on Apple devices. And although Safari is the default browser for Mac, it has largely suffered the same fate that befell Internet Explorer and is mainly used to download Chrome.

Security: 

Although Safari doesn’t upgrade often, it does a good job of protecting you while you use it. Safari prevents suspicious sites from loading and alerts you of the potential danger. By running web pages in separate processes, Safari prevents malicious code in one page from affecting the entire browser or accessing your data.

Privacy:

Safari also does quite well in terms of maintaining your online privacy. Like its peers, users can tell Safari to send a 'Do Not Track' request along with their browsing traffic. The browser also prevents third-party sites from leaving data in your cache by default, helping you stay privately online. However, Safari is also a closed source and it’s “Do Not Track” requests do not necessarily guarantee privacy.