Helpful Links

Navigate OHIO

About OHIO Admission Athletics
Academics Life at OHIO

Connect With Us

Bobcat Depot
1 Park Place
Athens, OH 45701
help.ohio.edu

Securing Your Browser

Browsers are used to access websites and cloud-based services often needed for daily job duties. Below is a list of tips designed to help you adjust your browser’s settings to stay safe while utilizing common internet browsers. Please be aware that some systems have certain browser requirements. You can check for requirements by visiting the IT Service Catalog and selecting the appropriate service.  

Browser Settings

  • Keep your browser software up to date. To ensure you are on the most recent version of your browser, visit the settings menu and look under update history. Most browsers will allow you to select automatic updates or notify you of updates that you can manually install.

  • Check your browser’s security settings. Common safety features include:

    • Send "Do Not Track" requests during browsing.

    • Send alerts about when websites may be harmful.

    • Alert you if saved passwords have been exposed in a data breach.

    • Prevent pop-ups.

  • Browser extensions, add-ons and plug-ins should be avoided when possible. If you must add a browser-extension, ensure it is from a reputable source, as unsecured extensions pose potential security risks.

    • When possible, install extensions directly from their original developer, or only download extensions supported by your browser and available on their webstores. 

    • Ensure that you have enabled automatic updates to extensions and other add-ons, so they have the latest protections and patching. 

Private Browsing 

  • Private browsing is a setting on all major browsers that allows you to navigate the web and keep browsing data private. This means that cookies and browsing history are not stored on your device. 

  • To enable private browsing:

    • Apple Safari

      • Select the menu bar, then “File,” Select “Private Window.”

    • Google Chrome

      • Select the tools menu (three vertical dots or three stacked lines) in the upper right corner, then select “New Incognito Window.”

    • Mozilla Firefox

      • Select the menu (three horizontal lines) in the upper right corner, then select “New Private Window.” 

    • Microsoft Internet Explorer

      • Select the gear icon in the upper right corner, then select “Safety” from the drop-down menu, then “InPrivate Browsing."

    • Microsoft Edge

      • Select the settings menu in the top-right corner, and then select “New InPrivate window.”