- Jan 27, 2017
- 139
Does erasing browsing history, temporary files, and cookies contribute to safer browsing?
Is a cleaned browser a safer browser?
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I'd say a definite yes when it comes to cookies. There's been instances of malware stealing/using locally stored cookies to gain access to accounts and the like.
Browsing history can be stolen too but it's less useful I'd argue. Maybe if it was stolen along with credentials and sold. The buyer could then use the browsing history to determine what sites you've visited and on what sites you have an account. It could also be stolen on its own and used as blackmail material if you've visited sites that your friends and family might find less than appropriate.
Can't speak for temporary files sadly.
Browsing history can be stolen too but it's less useful I'd argue. Maybe if it was stolen along with credentials and sold. The buyer could then use the browsing history to determine what sites you've visited and on what sites you have an account. It could also be stolen on its own and used as blackmail material if you've visited sites that your friends and family might find less than appropriate.
Can't speak for temporary files sadly.
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- Feb 13, 2017
- 737
I would say yes and no. If you have cookies, you are being tracked, but it is not a risk to security (malware). I believe it is mainly privacy related.
- Jan 27, 2017
- 139
Would you ever consider privacy as a safety concern?
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That'd depend on who breaches that privacy. We know governments conduct mass surveillance and if the information they've gathered on you via said surveillance were to leak then that could be pretty disastrous. There'd be a lot of very personal information in there you'd have to be worried about.
If we're purely talking ad networks tracking you then not so much. A semi-anonymous profile leak would be a big hit to your privacy if someone could match the unique ID to you specifically but I wouldn't be too concerned in terms of security.
Saying that, if your public IP address were to leak too then you could be susceptible to DDoS attacks or malware could open ports and the author could use said open port as a backdoor.
I think cleaned browser helps with privacy than security......
I set browsers to "clean on exit" or "keep data until browser quit" for privacy reasons than security.......
I set browsers to "clean on exit" or "keep data until browser quit" for privacy reasons than security.......
- Dec 6, 2014
- 154
These two simple steps may help you for both security and privacy
1. for security, run browsers in sandbox and use vpn
2. for privacy, open browser in incognito mode (yes browser data can be used to identify you distinctly from other users)
1. for security, run browsers in sandbox and use vpn
2. for privacy, open browser in incognito mode (yes browser data can be used to identify you distinctly from other users)
- Feb 13, 2017
- 737
I have uBlock (with blocking trackers lists), Decentraleyes and HTTPS Everywhere - exactly to block tracking. But that depends of each person, you may not mind being tracked as you'll see better ads and probably a faster web experience.
Again, I think privacy is different than security. You can have security without privacy or vice versa.
Is this following what was said in Q&A - CCleaner's "Safer Browsing" - Is False? ?
- Browser History allows to find previously visited sites more easily, from the Omnibar (Address bar).
- Saved Web History is similar but not stored by your browser, instead you need to disable from the website options (ie. YouTube or Bing etc).
- Cookies keep you logged into websites and save site preferences. Not all thrid-party cookies are needed and although are harmless, can be removed.
Some browsers like Firefox and Safari allow users to decide if to load in Normal or Incognito/Private mode by default, and not store the above after closing each session. Chrome/Edge can probably be tweaked to do the same, although I haven't seen such settings in the Browser Options.
I think "safer browsing" can occur before, during or after.
With CCleaner, it works AFTER browser has been closed, and not during or before as explained below:
- During - Protected by built-in browser Security measures for Malware and Phishing protection. Extensions to prevent Ads and Trackers etc.
- Before - Ensuring your Browser has no malicious plugins or extensions that may compromise your Online Safety, Security or Privacy. Helps if your OS is not infected with adware or other malware.
- Feb 13, 2017
- 1,486
I'd say yes.
"Malware can sometimes be detected in your internet browser's temporary cache folder. These files make their way onto your computer when browsing infected websites on the internet."
How to remove malware from within the Temporary Internet Files (or other browser's cache) - Sophos Community
"Malware can sometimes be detected in your internet browser's temporary cache folder. These files make their way onto your computer when browsing infected websites on the internet."
How to remove malware from within the Temporary Internet Files (or other browser's cache) - Sophos Community
- Mar 17, 2016
- 474
Its more privacy related... a record of where you've been and what you've been doing.
If what you aim for is safer browsing:
- put your browser in a sandbox, either Sandboxie or Comodo Cloud would do.
- use simpleDNScrypt ("DNSCrypt turns regular DNS traffic into encrypted DNS traffic that is secure from eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks".)
- use VPN for wi-fi.
- adblock(against malicious ads).
Does all those listed precautions prevent something from your system from calling home? I mean not from Windows but say a 3rd-party software/malware.
How about leaking your privacy info like IP address, user agent, header address, your browser fingerprint etc. Does that help too?
- Jan 9, 2013
- 1,457
Don't forget that browser log-in passwords are not safe. I've seen malwares that saves your log-in info in a text file. Securing isn't not just cleaning your cache and temps.
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