When we see valuable information, we like to pass it along to our community. Recently the ITRC (Identity Theft Resource Center) published information about how web users can be more proactive protecting their privacy when they surf the web. Here are a few of their top tips for safely using the Google Chrome Web Browser:
In order to set your privacy settings, you must find the privacy settings. When you open your Google browser, find the button at the far top right of the screen, just beyond the URL/address bar; the one that has three horizontal lines. Click that button and a drop down menu will show. Select the 4th option from the bottom that says “settings.”
This will open your settings within the webpage space itself. Find the blue hot link all the way at the bottom that says “show advanced settings.” This will prompt a longer menu to drop down, where you will see some basic privacy preferences like “enable phishing and malware protection” or “offer to save passwords I enter on the web.” These settings are preset by Google and generally speaking the default settings are appropriate for most users.
The most important area to focus on is a button immediately below the “Privacy” headline that says “content settings.” This button takes you to the meat of web browser privacy. In this subsection you’ll find the setting tables for things like internet cookies, pop-ups, location, plug- ins, and handlers. Examine this section carefully and select the settings that most conform to your level of concern.
Some people don’t mind having their web activity tracked by advertisers for the purposes of customized marketing, others do. The Google Chrome browser is highly customizable and easily adaptable in this way. Take a few minutes to examine your privacy settings, and have peace of mind next time you go online.
If you use a different browser, look for similar protections.
For more information on internet safety and identity theft prevention, please visit www.hvshred.com