Firefox has slipped behind Google Chrome and Microsoft Internet Explorer in web browser security according to a study released this month.
The study by IT security company Accuvant’s R&D labs still tipped open source at the top of the list with Google Chrome hitting the top spot, while Internet Explorer followed close behind with Firefox trailing.
The trick to top-tier security was not so much antivirus or anti-malware software but anti-exploitation technology that initially prevents the attack and “which play a more important role in protecting end users from exploits and persistent malware.”
Part of this initial barrier against attacks is ‘sandboxing,’ which will “prevent certain applications and process from accessing functionality deemed inappropriate.
“We have shown that Google Chrome provided the most restrictive sandbox.”
The white paper by Accuvant identified web browser add-ons as a high security risk if mismanaged by the browser: “Add-ons and plug-ins provide manufacturers and third parties with the ability to develop additional functionality for the browser. Additional functionality also brings on security risk, which can undermine overall browser security posture.”
“Google Chrome is the only browser to partially sandbox any of its plug-ins.”
