How To Ensure Security Of Your Web Browser Against Internet Fraud

SECURE YOUR INTERNET BROWSERS AGAINST FRAUD

The Transport Layer Security (TLS) and its predecessor, the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), both frequently referred to as "SSL", are security protocols (in this case, cryptographic protocol as against the encryption protocol) that provide communications security over a computer network.

In order to provide their customers with a reliable and secure connection to its services, some information-sensitive companies in the UK and other countries, began disabling access to their website from browsers that do not support currently available SSL versions TLS 1.1 and/or TLS 1.2.

Aside from fear of companies disabling access from compromised web browsers, the benefits of enabling your browsers for current SSL versions cannot be overemphasized, especially with internet fraud like stealing of personal information and identity theft being so rampant. This article shows which Operating Systems and browsers support TLS 1.1 and TLS 1.2; and following that, how to secure your browser while browsing on the internet.

Security Updates and Browser Compatibility

Several versions of the TLS find widespread use in applications such as web browsing, email, Internet faxing, instant messaging, and voice-over-IP (VoIP). Websites use TLS to secure all communications between their servers and web browsers.

Secure Web Browsers Against Internet Fraud

Windows Vista and XP system users that use Internet Explorer as their browser will be the only ones not to have the ability to support TLS 1.1 and/or 1.2. Other Operating Systems will usually have this ability.

To ensure you can carry on accessing websites securely if you use Internet Explorer on Windows Vista or XP you will need to download an alternative browser, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

To ensure that your browser is enabled to support TLS 1.1 and TLS 1.2, especially if you’re using an older browser version, please follow the instructions below or contact your system administrator for further help:

Enabling SSL Versions TLS 1.1 & TLS 1.2

Please select the browser that you usually use to connect to websites on the internet:

Internet Explorer:

• Open Internet Explorer
• Click Alt T and select “Internet Options”.
• Select the “Advanced” tab.
• Scroll down to the “Security” section.
• Locate and check “Use TLS 1.1 and TLS 1.2″.
• Then, press the “OK” button.

Google Chrome:

• Open Google Chrome
• Click Alt F and select “Settings”.
• Scroll down and select “Show advanced settings…”
• Scroll down to the Network section and click on “Change proxy settings…”
• Select the “Advanced” tab.
• Scroll down to the “Security” section.
• Locate and check “Use TLS 1.1 and TLS 1.2″.
• Then, press the “OK” button.

Mozilla Firefox:

• Open FireFox
• Type in “about:config” in the URL bar and press Enter
• Scroll down to “security.tls.version.max” and press enter
• Set the value to 3
• Then, press the “OK” button.

Opera:

• Open Opera
• Click Ctrl+F12
• Click on “Security”
• Click on “Security Protocols…”
• Check on “Enable TLS 1.1 & TLS 1.2”
• Press the “OK” button.
• Then, press the “OK” button.

Safari:

There are no options for enabling SSL protocols. If you are using Safari version 7 or greater, TLS 1.1 & 1.2 are automatically enabled.

Related: How to Know Your Computer Needs Upgrading or Replacing