- Protecting your privacy online is important, but how well do web browsers protect your data?
- Browser leaks are a common occurrence, and in today’s article, we’ll show you how to prevent them from leaking your data.
- To learn more about online security, we strongly suggest visiting this Cybersecurity section.
- A web browser is an essential tool, and for more information, take a look at our Browsers Hub.
- Easy migration: use the Opera assistant to transfer exiting data, such as bookmarks, passwords, etc.
- Optimize resource usage: your RAM memory is used more efficiently than in other browsers
- Enhanced privacy: free and unlimited VPN integrated
- No ads: built-in Ad Blocker speeds up loading of pages and protects against data-mining
- Gaming friendly: Opera GX is the first and best browser for gaming
- Download Opera
We use browsers on a daily basis, but did you know that your web browser can certain information in the background?
This can be a security concern, and in today’s article, we’ll explain to you what information can your browser leak to third parties and how to prevent that.
How do I deal with browser leaks?
1. What information can my browser leak?
The first information that your browser can leak is your IP address. By doing so, third parties can see your current state, ISP, region, and in some cases your city.
1.2 WebRTC leak
In some instances, WebRTC API can be used to expose your IP address, even if you’re using a VPN. That’s why it’s important to perform a WebRTC leak test online.
1.3 JavaScript
JavaScript is a widely used web technology, but it can also reveal some of your information. In most cases that information includes your system resolution, current time, and web browser.
1.4 Geolocation
Most modern browsers support the Geolocation feature that will reveal your current location. Browsers will usually ask for permission to access your current location, so be sure to deny it in order to stay safe.
2. How to protect against browser leaks?
2.1 Use a secure web browser
To protect yourself from browser leaks, it’s important to use a secure web browser such as Opera.
The browser has its own tracking protection, so it will block tracking scripts and cookies that can leak your data.
Opera also has an ad blocker so you won’t see any ads, and by blocking ads your pages will load faster. It’s also worth mentioning that the browser has its own free VPN with unlimited bandwidth.
There’s also Cryptojacking protection that will stop all mining scripts. So, if you like the idea of secure and private browsing, Opera is an ideal browser.
Opera
Afraid of browser leaks? With its tracking protection, ad blocker, and unlimited VPN, Opera is the right choice for you!
2.2 Use HTTPS protocol
Always use websites that work with HTTPS protocol. The older HTTP protocol isn’t encrypted, which means that everybody can intercept your traffic and read the data you send to the website.
If a website uses HTTPS, all the data that goes between you and the website will be encrypted and unable to read.
To check if the website you’re on is using HTTPS, just check its address in the address bar or look for the lock icon left from the address.
2.3 Be careful with extensions/add-ons
Certain extensions can leak your information, so be sure to use extensions only from reliable sources. To be on a safe side, it’s best to keep the number of extensions as low as possible.
In addition to extensions, you shouldn’t use Flash, Java, or Silverlight add-ons since they are not being supported by web browsers due to security reasons.
Browser leaks can be a security risk, but we hope that you understand how to better protect against browser leaks after reading this article.
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