Is Microsoft Edge really safer than Chrome or Firefox?

Microsoft's assertion is based on a report by NSS Labs, in which they tested 304 SEM samples (Socially Engineered Malware - the type of malicious code used to "lure" victims). As a result, SmartScreen, Edge's security features block 99% of SEM models, while those in Chrome and Firefox are 85.8% and 78.3%.

SmartScreen is only part of the big picture

SmartScreen was first introduced by Mircosoft on Internet Explorer 7, as a method of filtering "Phishing Filter" websites, and constantly improving after each new version. This feature helps check against a list of unsafe websites and applications. Although very useful, this is only part of the browser protection methods. Users still use the same anti-virus software that usually has website blocking feature as shown below.

It is true that Edge has 21% more SEM blocking capabilities than other browsers, but that doesn't mean that 21% makes browsing the web safer and there are still many other ways to ensure security when using the browser.

Other important security features

Sandbox

Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome both use sandbox technology. This technology divides each element of the browser (such as tabs, windows, plugins) into separate processes. These processes do not interact with each other or with other external processes, making it difficult for malicious code to penetrate. Dividing the browser into multiple processes can improve the computer's performance thanks to multi-core processors, though it will cost more to use RAM.

Firefox was born in 2004, when the sandbox concept was still quite new. Currently, the browser only executes sandbox with media plugins, but Mozilla is also deploying Electrolysis, a project that helps Firefox multitask (multi-process). While Internet Explorer introduced the sandbox from version 10, Firefox has to worry about maintaining compatibility for nearly 13 years, which is why the change process is slower. In general, when it comes to sandboxes, Edge certainly has an advantage over Firefox but is just as good as Chrome .

Automatically updated

Have you ever wondered why the browser is so frequently updated? Developers often add patches (patches) to fix security-related errors. Automatic updates help ensure safety for people who are using the latest browser version.

Chrome installs quickly and "silently" updates when users close the browser. Firefox has also introduced similar features since 2012. Edge also automatically updates but via Windows Update. (This is why you should not turn off the Windows Update feature.) However, Windows Update updates more slowly than direct updates like Chrome or Firefox and users have to restart the computer to apply the changes. Microsoft said in the future they will allow Edge updates via the Windows Store.

Privacy protection

All three browsers have private / anonymous browsing mode (InPrivate on Edge, Incognito on Chrome and Private Browsing in Firefox). When closing the browser window, all history, cookies or cache data are deleted. However, this does not help avoid being followed by the website or the advertiser.

Firefox has an advantage in this area. In 2015, Firefox introduced Tracking Protection, keeping users from being tracked when accessing the website in Private Browsing mode. Also note that unlike Google or Microsoft, Firefox does not make money from tracking users or selling ads.

Conclude

At present, Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge have quite similar features. Edge is said to be safer than Chrome simply because Microsoft has a list of more unsafe websites than Google. However, users can still protect themselves with antivirus software. Mozilla Firefox is more or less behind these two browsers but is still on track to catch up in 2017. At the very least, the browser has an advantage in protecting users' privacy.