Share

Kaspersky: Chrome is safest browser

Cape Town - A top internet security firm has recommended Google's Chrome browser as the safest one available.

"What we recommend at Kaspersky Lab is Google Chrome. It's not an advertisement, but this is the most secure, the most protected browser on the market now," Sergey Novikov, head of Kaspersky Lab Global Research and Analysis Team told News24.

He said that the browser, which was launch in 2008, had unique technology that made it more secure than competing browsers to surf the internet.

"They have sandboxing inside the browser. This is the only browser that has sandboxing inside. To be on the safe side, it's better to use Google Chrome for browsing the internet."

According to Statcounter.com, Chrome is the fastest growing browser, growing to about 30% of users in March 2012.

Safety

Novikov warned that no browser is 100% safe as hackers could compromise a website and put users at risk.

"The problem with websites, even trusted websites, is that they can be hacked and the malicious script can be installed and all the visitors will get this malicious script," he said.

Google recently offered hackers $1m prize if they could demonstrate vulnerabilities in the Chrome browser.

The internet giant has offered prize money for demonstrating a bug in the browser that could be used with a flaw in Windows 7 to take control of a computer.

Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) is still the dominant browser, but it's share is declining in the face of rivals. On March 18, Chrome briefly overtook IE to lead browser use statistics.

Hack attacks have become more concentrated at financial gain and according to Kaspersky Lab, a trend in Eastern Europe illustrates how hackers are able to extract money from victims.

"In Eastern Europe there's a Trojan that's quite popular - it blocks your Windows machine. You can't go to the Start button, My Documents, My Computer - you can't use it.

"There's a message on the screen that says if you want to return to your operating system and your files, you have to make a payment through your mobile phone," said Novikov.

Attacks

While the incidents of this kind of attack are still quite small, it shows that hackers are increasingly targeting computer users for financial reward and information.

There has also been growth in so-called "hacktivists" groups like Anonymous that target corporations because of perceived liability.

Anonymous attacked the websites of the US Justice Department, the FBI, Universal Music Group in protest at the Stop Online Piracy Act and MasterCard when the credit provider refused to process donations for WikiLeaks.

In 2011, Sony was embarrassed when hackers compromised the PlayStation Network was hacked and millions of users' details was compromised.

Novikov said that hackers are able to steal information for profit.

"They [criminals] are stealing information to sell it to competitors; other vendors - there are several examples of this."


- Follow Duncan on Twitter
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
40% - 204 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
60% - 310 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
19.04
-0.7%
Rand - Pound
24.02
-0.5%
Rand - Euro
20.53
-0.3%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.36
-0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.7%
Platinum
900.15
+0.4%
Palladium
1,000.00
-0.2%
Gold
2,212.54
+0.8%
Silver
24.59
-0.2%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,094
+0.6%
All Share
74,290
+0.5%
Resource 10
56,964
+2.3%
Industrial 25
103,585
+0.3%
Financial 15
16,463
-0.4%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE