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Imagine browsing the internet like walking through a bustling market, where everyone seems to know your name, your preferences, and even the contents of your wallet. In this marketplace, a secure web browser is like a trusted guide, shielding you from pickpockets and dubious vendors. But why is this guide so essential, and what does it actually do?

MacPaw's cybersecurity division, Moonlock, is here to answer all the questions.

Why look for a secure browser?

Staying alert for all the internet's traps and pitfalls can feel exhausting, like another full-time job. Fortunately, modern browsers can help you handle some of this heavy lifting – they have the tools to make things easier and protect you.

A secure browser hides your data

Every website you visit tries to gather details about you, from browsing habits to more sensitive data like payment information. Many sites use tracking scripts and cookies to keep tabs on you, often reselling that data later. A secure browser steps in here, blocking the most aggressive data collectors and ensuring your connection is encrypted. With the right settings, it can also limit you to HTTPS websites — those with higher security standards.

A secure browser blocks infected websites

Only some websites on the internet are as trustworthy as they look. Beneath the polished surface, some harbor malware, waiting to pounce through a careless click. A secure browser shields you, blocking suspicious ads and reducing the chances of landing on a malicious page. While no browser is a silver bullet, an extra layer of caution can save you from phishing and malware.

A secure browser is private

While "private" modes, like Chrome's Incognito, do a good job hiding your browser's history, they're not perfect. Your ISP, for example, can still see your activity. A secure browser gives you more privacy tools to control what's visible and not, reducing the chance of your personal browsing falling into unintended hands.

A secure browser regularly updates its defenses

Cyber threats evolve at a breakneck speed, and frequent security updates are among the best protections. A secure browser will generally provide these updates faster and more reliably, keeping you safer from the latest risks.

Moonlock's top 7 secure browsers

From disabling cookies that track your online activity to avoiding malicious sites, which browser will work best for you? Let's have a look at the most secure browsers recommended by experts at Moonlock.

Safari: the best pick for Apple users

If you're an Apple user, you're likely already familiar with Safari as your go-to internet browser. The good news is that Apple prioritizes user privacy, and many of Safari's security features are enabled by default. This makes Safari the safest browser option for Mac, iPhone, and iPad users.

While Safari may not be the most feature-rich browser available, it is undoubtedly the most secure choice for Apple devices.

If you want to browse privately at all times in Safari, you can enable Private Browsing by default:

1. In Safari, go to Preferences > General.
2. Click on the pop-up menu titled "Safari opens with." 
3. Click on "A new private window."

Edge: a choice for Windows

Microsoft's Edge browser has stepped up its game since the old Internet Explorer days. These days, it's giving Firefox a run for its money as the go-to browser for Windows users.

Privacy features are one of the best things about Edge. It shows you what websites are tracking you, and you can even control how much tracking prevention you want. Plus, it blocks trackers on payment sites to keep your financial info safe. Edge will also automatically protect you from dodgy downloads and sketchy websites. 

The only downside is that Microsoft is a bit unclear about how much user data Edge actually collects and what they do with it.

Chrome: a people's favorite

Chrome has an impressive user base and is one of the most widely used web browsers today. What makes Chrome stand out is its speed and robust privacy features.

Some key privacy and security capabilities included in Chrome are:

• Incognito mode for private browsing
• Option to request websites not to track you
• Ability to block scripts and pop-ups
• Controls to manage cookie blocking (locally and globally)
• Warnings about potentially unsafe websites
• Notifications for exposed passwords
• Website permission controls
• Blocking of specific websites

While Chrome is undoubtedly a highly secure browser, it does come with a tradeoff. The browser shares user data with Google, a company known for collecting and storing user information, although it does not pass this data on to other parties. 

Epic: when privacy is the default

If you really care about online privacy, Epic is a browser worth checking out. It is unique because all its privacy features are turned on by default - you don't have to fiddle with any settings.

Epic automatically blocks cookies, ads, and web trackers. It uses the privacy-focused DuckDuckGo search engine. Epic goes the extra mile to ensure that it doesn't store your browsing history, passwords, or other personal data.

Epic also has technical privacy protections like blocking real-time communication calls to hide your IP address and prioritizes secure, encrypted connections. So, you get a super private browsing experience right out of the box!

The downside is that Epic's strong privacy focus can sometimes cause issues with certain websites. But for users who want maximum protection, Epic is a great option. 

Firefox: a go-to for developers

Thanks to its powerful features, Firefox has long been a favorite among web developers. It is open-source, so developers feel good about being able to review the code.

One neat Firefox privacy feature is the Private Window mode, which stops websites from tracking your activity. Firefox also sends reports on which sites are trying to track you and allows you to control the level of tracking prevention. You can also opt into notifications about data breaches. The browser blocks pop-ups by default and prevents malicious downloads and websites.

So, if you're a developer or just really care about your online privacy, Firefox is definitely worth considering as your default browser.

Brave: best for blocking ads

Move over, Chrome - there's a new fast browser in town, and its name is Brave. In fact, Brave claims to be up to 3 times faster than Google's offering.

But Brave isn't just speedy. It's also packed with impressive privacy and security features. It blocks scripts, cookies, and third-party ads by default, has a built-in password manager, and prevents tracking. One of Brave's coolest privacy tools is its private browsing mode, which is even more anonymous than the famous Tor browser. And Brave forces all websites to use a secure HTTPS connection.

The only potential downside is that Brave uses the same underlying technology as Chrome, so there are still some privacy concerns around potential data sharing with Google. But overall, Brave is an excellent choice for users who value speed and security.

Tor: if anonymity is crucial in your work

If you really need to browse the web anonymously, you're a journalist or a whistleblower, the Tor browser is the way to go. Tor is specially designed to access the dark web while keeping your identity completely hidden.

It uses a network of relay servers to make it virtually impossible to track your online activities. It also disables tracking by default and doesn't store any of your browsing history or other data.

The trade-off is that Tor's iron-clad privacy protections can cause issues on regular websites. Some sites may block Tor users, and the browser's security features can make regular browsing more difficult. But for people who need ultimate online anonymity, Tor is the top choice.

Safety practices that will make any browser more secure

Once you've decided on a nice, private web browser - that's a great first step. But if you really want to lock down your online activities, there are plenty of other smart moves you can make. 

Fake your information in web forms

When signing up for things like newsletters, why give websites your real personal info? Use a fake name, birthdate, and location instead. That way, if anyone is collecting data on you, it'll be inaccurate.

Don't save your passwords in browsers

Saving passwords in a browser might be easy, but it's risky. Hackers and malware can easily break in, and anyone using your device could access your accounts. Instead, use a password manager – a safer way to keep your passwords locked up tight and out of harm's way.

Change passwords regularly

Data leaks happen more often than companies admit, and they don't always tell you when your information has been exposed. Changing your passwords regularly helps protect you from these hidden breaches, keeping your accounts safer even if a leak slips through the cracks. Better don't wait for a warning from your browser – stay one step ahead by updating the passwords every three months.

Enable MFA everywhere

MFA is your fourth line of defense – after common sense, a secure browser, and a strong password. It's that final lock, requiring a code only you have, like a text on your phone. With data breaches on the rise, MFA adds crucial security to keep your accounts safe. Turn it on wherever you can!

Use a VPN at all times

Instead of sending info directly to websites, a VPN creates a secret route where all your activity goes through an extra layer of security before it reaches its destination. It also masks your IP address (your unique "home address" on the internet), so websites don't know where you really are. ClearVPN is a good option if you're looking for a VPN app.

Avoid public Wi-Fi

Unsecured, unknown networks are risky, and avoiding them is your safest bet. If you're traveling for work, sticking to secure connections isn't always possible, but whenever you can, skip public Wi-Fi. If you have a mobile data plan, use that instead – it's a much safer way to stay connected without exposing your data to potential threats.

Final thoughts

For anyone prioritizing secure online work, choosing the right browser is a critical first step. We at Moonlock tried our best to introduce browsers designed to protect your privacy and data. From Safari’s default privacy features for Apple users to the anonymity-focused Tor browser, each offers unique safeguards. Yet, a secure browser is just the start. Additional steps, like enabling multi-factor authentication, using a VPN, and steering clear of public Wi-Fi, will further reinforce your online security. With these practices in place, your browsing always stays protected and private.