If possible, make sure your web browser is always running on the latest version

It must also be because the web browser can be likened to a bridge that helps us enter the vast internet world, interesting but also contains many dangers.

How long has it been since you updated your browser to the new version? And why is this such a simple but extremely important job? Here are typical reasons.

Browser updates keep you safe

One of the typical threats that internet users face is malware, viruses, as well as a variety of other malicious activities such as data breaches, information theft, or unauthorized tracking.

As a bridge, a web browser can make a significant contribution to helping keep users safe while using the internet, but can also become an exacerbating factor if the The browser body contains vulnerabilities and weaknesses that are easily exploited by malicious actors.

Developers regularly release new security updates and patches for their browsers to fix existing vulnerabilities and limit risks to users. That's also why it's always recommended to update your browser to the latest version as soon as possible, for a safer browsing experience for yourself.

Obviously using an outdated web browser can put your system at risk. Bad guys will use vulnerabilities in web browsers to target victims with malware such as ransomware, invade privacy, and carry out many forms of malicious attacks.

According to a Confiant report, 1 in every 200 online ads is malicious. Depending on where you live and the website you visit, you may see more malicious ads. Patching your browser can help protect against such issues, especially as they become common knowledge.

Extensions and plugins that you have installed with your browser can also pose a risk. Such is the case with Adobe Flash. If you are running Flash version 32.0.0.371 or earlier, on a browser version that has not been updated for a long time, you run the risk of facing a series of critical vulnerabilities that exist in Adobe's tools. . New browser updates can disable extensions and plugins that contain known security vulnerabilities, greatly reducing the risk.

Invasion of privacy in browsers is also a common problem. In May 2021, FingerprintJS discovered a vulnerability in Safari, Chrome, Firefox and Tor that could link users' identities across different desktop browsers, bypassing protections privacy is applied by the browsers themselves. By the time FingerprintJS discovered the problem, Chrome's developers were also quick to release a fix into the browser's update roadmap. Of course, you won't get that benefit if you don't apply the new update.

In short, be sure to update your browser regularly for your own safety.

Outdated browser makes you miss useful changes, new features

Another big reason you should regularly update your browser is to make sure you're getting the most optimal browsing experience possible.

For example, web technology is constantly changing, with technologies such as HTML5 and WebGL driving the advancements in dramatically enhancing the user experience when accessing a website. These modern advancements make it possible to run emulators and games right in your browser without the need to download and maintain additional software like Flash or Java. If you use an outdated browser, you will not have the opportunity to experience those positive changes.

In addition, an outdated browser can also cause you to have website compatibility problems. Sometimes this manifests as page instability, errors, or display issues that severely impact the overall experience. In particular, in some cases, you will see the error message 'your browser is not supported' and the website cannot be accessed.

Besides, don't forget that new features will be brought into the browser by developers through updates. Apple regularly adds new features to Safari with each major operating system upgrade. Similarly, Google also regularly rolls out new features that come with Chrome updates every 4 weeks. Therefore, if you do not update your browser to the new version, you will definitely not have the opportunity to experience these new features.

Lesley Montoya

Update 10 July 2021