One thing about the internet, your experience is partly dependent on the browser you choose to use. But if Microsoft were to have its way, it would have you shun other browser and strictly use Edge browser. The Redmond tech giant claims, Edge is the most secure web browser out there!
Knowing the dangers that lurks on the internet, the likes of ransomware and others, that statement by Microsoft is a pretty bold statement. But, why should we trust Microsoft to give us a bi-partisan opinion on its own product? Especially when you know, it used to have the most popular browser in the world before being outdone by the likes of Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
Turns out, the tag being given to the Edge browser as the most secure browser out there, is not even by Microsoft. It is by NSS Labs, an independent (from Microsoft) business whose business is to find out cyber intelligence and sell that information and other security concerns to stakeholders.
How did Edge browser come to be called most secure browser?
Apparently, NSS Labs carried out a test on some 304 different types of Socially Engineered Malware (SEM) alongside some phishing pages. As it turns out, Edge browser turned out to be the most secure compared to Chrome and Firefox browser.
The results showed Edge’s SmartScreen feature was able to block about 99% of the SEMs, while Chrome and Firefox managing to block 85.5% and 78.3% respectively.
What’s this Edge SmartScreen feature?
To answer that, perhaps we should take a trip down memory lane. Microsoft first introduced this feature as ‘Phishing Filter’ in Internet Explorer 7. Over the years, the company has added more features and capability to it and it changed name to SmartScreen, as it is known today. It basically keeps you safe from socially engineered malware (SEM), and it works better than what Chrome and Firefox have to protect you from the same threats.
However, it is highly recommended that you reinforce your online security with an additional anti-virus program, relying on SmartScreen on Edge browser to keep you safe is just not enough.
