Despite the fact that the most common problems with the work of the Internet browsers are the emergence of pop-up advertising or substitution of the starting page and redirecting to any sites, it is not the worst thing that can happen to him. Vulnerabilities in software, plug-ins, questionable expansions of browsers can allow intruders to get remote access to the system, your passwords and other personal data.
Update browser
All modern browsers - Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Yandex Browser, Opera, Microsoft Edge and the latest Internet Explorer versions, have numerous built-in security features, blocking dubious content, analysis of downloadable data and other, designed to secure the user.
At the same time, those or other vulnerabilities are regularly discovered in browsers, which in simple cases can slightly affect the work of the browser, and in some others can be used by anyone for attacks.
Upon detection of the next vulnerabilities, developers quickly release updates the browser, which in most cases are set automatically. However, if you are using the portable version of the browser or disabled all the update services in order to speed up the system, do not forget to check the availability of updates in the settings section.
Of course, you should not use old browsers, especially the old Internet Explorer versions. I would also recommend only well-known popular products for installation, and not some handicraft crafts that I will not call here. More information about options in the article about the best browser for Windows.
Watch out for the expansion and browser plugins
A significant number of problems that are particularly related to the emergence of pop-ups with advertising or replacing the search results is associated with the work of expansion in the browser. And at the same time, the same extensions can follow the symbols you entered, redirect to other sites and not only.
Use only the extensions that you really need, as well as check the extension list. If, after installing any program and run the browser, you are offered to enable the extension (Google Chrome), Supplement (Mozilla Firefox) or the add-in (Internet Explorer), do not hurt this: think about whether it is necessary for you or to work the installed program or that He doubted.
The same applies to plugins. Disconnect, and better - remove those plugins that you do not need to work. For others, it may make sense to enable click-to-play (launch the contents of the content using the plug-in on request). Do not forget about the updates of browser plugins.
Use anti-exploit programs
If a few years ago, the expediency of using this kind of program seemed to me doubtful, then today I would still recommend anti-exploit (exploit - a program or code that uses vulnerabilities of software, in our case of a browser and its plugins for the attacks).
Using your browser vulnerabilities, Flash, Java and other plugins, perhaps even if you are visiting only the most reliable sites: intruders can simply pay advertising on it, it would seem harmless, whose code also uses these vulnerabilities. And this is not fantasy, but what really happens and has already received the name Malvertising.
Of this kind of products available today, I can advise the free version of Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit, available on the official website https://ru.malwarebytes.org/antiexploit/
Check the computer not only by antivirus
A good antivirus is excellent, but still it would also be more reliable to check the computer with special means to detect the malware and the results of its activities (for example, the edited Hosts file).The fact is that most antiviruses do not consider viruses some things on your computer, which in fact harm your work with it most often - work on the Internet.
Among such funds, I would allocate AdWcleaner and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, more on which the best means to remove malicious programs.
Be careful and attentive
The most important thing in safe work at the computer and on the Internet is to try to analyze your actions and possible consequences. When you are asked to enter passwords from third-party services, disable the system protection functions to install the program, download or send SMS, share your contacts - you do not have to do this.
Try to use official and trusted sites, as well as check dubious information using search engines. I did not get fit in a paragraph or two all the principles, but the main message - an approach to their actions meaningful, or at least try.
Additional information that can be useful for general development on this topic: how can your passwords can learn on the Internet, how to catch the virus in the browser.