Google Chrome is known to be one of the safest and most secure browsers. But you can make it even more secure and safer when you take advantage of its built-in and extended security features. You’d be surprised at the many security options that this browser has under the hood or in connection with third-party providers.

Enable Malware Protection and Detection

By default, the security setting is already enabled. But it doesn’t hurt to check just to be sure.

1. Open your browser and click on the wrench icon or three buttons at the top-right corner of the page.
2. Click the menu for Customize and Control Google Chrome.
3. Click the Options button.
4. Select ‘Under the Hood” tab under the “Google Chrome Options” window.
5. Under the Security section, check if the box next to “Enable phishing and malware protection” is ticked.

A check mark means the malware protection is enabled.

Block Pop Up Settings in Chrome

Popups or pop-up ads are usually harmless, just annoying. But they have been frequently used to get viruses onto your computer. So you might want to block them in Google Chrome to protect your computer and network.

1. Open your browser and click on the wrench icon/three vertical dots at the top-right corner of the page.
2. Click the menu for Customize and Control Google Chrome.
3. Click the Options button.
4. Select ‘Under the Hood” tab under the “Google Chrome Options” window.
5. Under the Web Content section, check if the box next to “Notify me when the pop-up is blocked” is ticked. The check mark ensures all pop-ups are blocked unless you unblock them.

Change Cookies Settings

Allowing websites to track your online navigation can undermine Google Chrome’s security. Since this is what cookies do, you might want to change your cookie settings.

1. Follow steps 1 to 4 in the previous procedure.
2. Look for the ‘Cookie settings’ drop-down menu under the ‘Under the Hood” tab. You will have three options – Allow all cookies, Restrict how third-party cookies can be used, and Block all cookies.
3. Choose the second and third option, depending on your preference. Click the Close button.

Change Privacy Features

Chrome comes with several privacy features that can protect you from a range of threats, from something as simple as a misspelling and something as complex as phishing and malware attacks. Take advantage of these features and browse online with peace of mind.

1. Open a Google Chrome browser and type in chrome://settings to access the Settings page. Another alternative would be to click on the three dots lined vertically, which is found on the topmost right corner and click Settings.
2. Scroll down and look for Advanced. Click on it.
3. From the Privacy and security menu, make sure the following are enabled.

• Use a web service to help resolve navigation errors
• Use a web service to help resolve spelling errors
• Protect you and your device from dangerous sites
• Use a prediction service to load pages more quickly
• Use a prediction service to help complete searches and URLs typed in the address bar

You also have the option to restrict certain online content by changing the Content settings under the Privacy and security menu.

For added security, you should check out Chrome’s password alert security extension.