Which Browser Offers the Best Protection for your Computer?

The internet is a vast public network which contains many malware sites. Malicious hackers come up with new sites and malware programs all the time. Therefore, you need to equip yourself with a browser that has high detection and block rates. In this guide, we will compare the most common browsers used worldwide i.e Chrome, Mozilla and Microsoft Edge.

Key Notes

The statistical data demonstrated in this guide reflects from a comparative report performed by NSS Labs. The web browser security group test was funded by Microsoft Edge. Therefore, all data presented in this guide is well researched and compiled.

Basis of Testing

The most essential features to test for is

1. Block rate
2. Consistence of protection over time
3. Zero-hour protection. (Time between malware creation and detection)

The three browsers were subjected to the following malware:

1. Phishing websites attacks. These are websites that pose as legit sites to steal sensitive account information including login credentials.
2. Socially Engineered Malware. These are deceptions such as false notification of computer problems and spammed emails to entice unsuspecting users to download malware.

Block Rate Test Results

Phishing Attacks

From the above data, it is evident that Microsoft Edge blocked an average of 92.3%. Google chrome came in second with 74.5% and Mozilla came in third with 61.1%.

Socially Engineered Malware

The graph above shows that Microsoft Edge had the best block rate against SEM as well. Chrome and Mozilla took the 2^nd and 3^rd place respectively.

Zero-Hour Protection

Browsers that fail to identify a new threat in a timely manner may put your computer at risk.

Phishing Attacks

The figure above shows that Microsoft Edge has blocked 31.1% more malware attacks than Mozilla and 23.2% more than Chrome at the 0-hr mark. However, after a few days, Microsoft Edge lead over Mozilla with 7.4% and a 24.2% lead over Google Chrome.

Socially Engineered Malware

This figure shows that Microsoft Edge dominated over the two browsers throughout followed by Google Chrome.

Consistency of Protection

Consistency is very important because attacks over the internet are always present.

Phishing Attacks

Consistency of protection ranges are as follows:

Microsoft Edge 66.7% and 100%

Google Chrome 63.3% and 100%

Mozilla Firefox 2.6% and 100%

Socially Engineered Malware

Consistency of protection ranges are as follows:

Microsoft Edge 94.4% and 99.6%

Google Chrome 77.8% and 93.1%

Mozilla Firefox 58.5% and 75.1%

Our Recommendations

A secure browser is one with the highest block rates, consistent of protection and early protection against new threats. Based on the findings illustrated above, it is clear that Microsoft Edge offers the best security for Windows users. However, education of SEM can be essential to safe guard your computer against obvious attacks.

Conclusion

You now know that Microsoft Edge provides better protection for your computer. What if you don’t want to migrate from Google Chrome? You can view our guide on how to boost protection in Google Chrome. Share your comments below.