Browser Security Problems
It is important for your browser to be secure when you are shopping online, using email or entering your personal information over the Internet for any reason. Browser hijacking programs, phishing scams, third-party cookies and disruptive JavaScript all present a threat to your browser's security by stealing personal information or making your browser inoperable.
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Browser Hijacking
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Browser hijacking programs will take control of your browser and will change your homepage settings and install toolbars you don't remember downloading. You will not be able to change your browser settings back, your browser may begin freezing, pop-up windows will begin increasing in frequency and you will notice that search results are redirected to a website you have never seen. This can all be prevented by choosing to download files from only trusted sources.
Phishing Scams
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Phishing scams lure people into giving up user names, passwords and credit card numbers to organizations they believe to be trustworthy but actually are not. These scams exploit weaknesses in a browser which allow them to redirect the browser or create pop-up windows that ask visitors to visit their website to buy a service or product. The URL is often forged or the browser's address bar has been closed to prevent revealing the true destination of the scam.
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Third-Party Cookies
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Third-party cookies are cookies placed on your computer from a website you have not even visited. These cookies are often used by advertising companies to track your movements across the Internet, find out what you are searching for and find out about your purchasing habits. The data is then stored in a central database and used for deciding what advertisements to display in your browser. Refusing third-party cookies will prevent these cookies from tracking your computer.
Disruptive Scripts
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Scripting languages, such as JavaScript, have the ability to be deployed in disruptive ways and prevent your browser from operating normally. These scripts can open multiple pop-up windows, move windows around without allowing you to close them and hog your system resources. Browsers are equipped with pop-up blockers and dialog filtering logic to prevent pop-ups from appearing when a link has not been clicked.
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