Tip #3705 - Scanit Browser Test
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Scanit
Browser Test
Your computer's Web browser is a wonderful thing. It takes you all over
the Web, allowing you to watch videos, buy things, download anything,
play games, etc. You name it, it lets you do it. Your Web browser, whether
it be Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera or one of the others available,
is your Web surfing vessel; sort of like a magic carpet ride through cyberspace.
Your beloved Web browser however, can also be an open door to all sorts
of unwelcome scumware, as I heard someone call it, and if not properly
secure, it can lead to all sorts of unwanted problems down the road.
E-mail isn’t
the only way to infect someone’s computer and lately, we have been
seeing a lot more malware applications using browser based attacks, in
order to compromise unsuspecting users' machines. With a list of vulnerabilities
and exceptions that’s as long as Santa’s naughty list, how
does the everyday user know if they are protected from the current Web
attackers? It can be a full time job trying to keep yourself informed
to the point of being pro-active about your browser’s state of vulnerability.
And come on, who’s got time for that?
Well, put that thought
out of your mind, because I have found a Web service, from a company called
Scanit, that will scan your browser with an invasive
battery of tests that will help to determine just how secure your browser
is. With the click of your mouse, you can scan your browser for any and
all current threats that roam the Web. You can even customize the scan
and pick and choose which tests to run. Browser Test
is easy to use, with only a little user interaction required. It has the
options to perform a full scan, a scan that only pertains to the particular
browser you're using or you can pick and choose from scan to scan.
While the scan is
under way, it displays a progress bar along with a brief description of
what is being tested at that particular moment, with the results of each
separate scan. This is a great way to get familiar with the terms and
types of vulnerabilities that can affect your browser. There is also a
complete set of FAQs
that will explain the Web service, what it does and why it does it, along
with information on what certain components of your browser are and how
they can be used against you. (Such as Javascript, for example). There
is even a link to HijackThis,
which is a free application that removes malware from your system, complete
with a tutorial.
Scanit has really
put together a great Web service here that I think everyone should have
in their security toolbox. Scanit has a notification service for browser
tests that will notify you when new exploits are out, simply reminding
you that you might want to rescan your system.
It’s fast, effective
and there's nothing to install on your system. This is a service that
anyone who surfs the Web should be using. Go out and do a scan when you
have some time and see if your browser is as safe as you may think.
Browser Test can be
found here.
Until next week, stay
safe out there!
~ Chad Stelnicki
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