2. Web Browser is a software that is installed on your
computer. It is used to locate and display web
pages and other online content. Behind the scene,
a browser performs lot of functions but its key role
is to take your request to the web server and bring
the content to you and display it.
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3. Finds the web server
Takes your request and transports data
Transports cookies
Brings back content
Processes the content and renders it
Executes scripts (code)
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4. Enter a URL into a browser
◦ Breaks the URL into a host + path
Asks a DNS server for an IP address for the host
DNS server returns a IP address for that host
◦ Browser sends a request to the IP address
Path is used to determine what file to obtain
Data for web server to process, maintain state
Server replies to the request – HTML, PDF, mp3, etc.
◦ Browser reads the HTML file and asks for all the files referenced in the
original HTML file
These additional files could be images, more HTML, or other types on content.
Additional files could reside on different hosts requiring more DNS requests
After browser gets all the pieces, it processes the data and renders a single
“page”
Non-HTML file are opened in the browser of associated application.
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5. Internet Explorer (Microsoft)
Firefox
Safari
Chrome
Opera
Konqueror
Several others
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7. Data set by the web site owner
Data you enter in the form
Information you request
Cookies
Operating System, browser type
Your IP address – can help determine your
geographical location
Referring page
Much more
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8. Example URLs:
◦ http://www.somesite.com
◦ https://www.somesite.com
http – data is unencrypted while transport from the web
browser to the web server
https – data is encrypted while transported from the
browser to the web server
Make sure that data you don’t want anyone to eavesdrop is
encrypted – https in the address bar; closed lock in the
status bar
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10. Use one browser for your “important” surfing and another for “casual”
browsing. That way data from one can't leak to the other (generally
speaking)
Always keep an eye on the URL in the address bar
Read, Pause before clicking on anything
Logout and always close the browser window
Nothing is “really” free. Only download
files from websites you trust
Don’t open attachments forwarded from your friend’s computer is
corrupted
Logout and close browser/tab
The browser’s back and refresh features can be used to steal
passwords from insecurely written applications.
Be careful of Google search results
Always type URL for sites where confidential information is in use.
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11. Always use the red “X”
in the corner of a pop-up
screen
Never click “yes,”
“accept” or even “cancel”,
because it could be a trick
that installs software on
your PC
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12. An Internet firewall
is like a moat
around a castle,
creating a barrier
between
your computer and
the Internet
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13. Search results may contain malicious web site
Does it make sense?
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14. Keep passwords private and create ones that are
hard to “crack”
Use password checker (See resources)
Never share your passwords with friends or be
tricked into giving them away
Do not email login name and password together
Do not text message your login information
If you do have to write, keep the paper in safe
keeping
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15. Avoid creating passwords using
◦ Dictionary words in any language.
Words in all languages are vulnerable
Words spelled backwards, common misspellings, and
abbreviations
◦ Sequences or repeated characters.
Examples: 12345678, 222222, abcdefg, or adjacent letters
on your keyboard (qwerty)
◦ Personal information.
Your name, birthday, driver's license, passport number, or
similar information
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16. Web browser
◦ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_browser
How browser works
◦ http://taligarsiel.com/Projects/howbrowserswork1.htm
Securing your browser
◦ http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/securing_browser/
Analysis: Browser Security
◦ http://www.networkcomputing.com/wireless/analysis-browser-
security.php
Microsoft Online Safety
◦ http://www.microsoft.com/protect
Get Wise
◦ http://www.getnetwise.org
Password Checker
◦ https://www.microsoft.com/protect/fraud/passwords/checker.aspx?WT.mc
_id=Site_Link
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