You’ve probably never heard of the word “cloud browser”, but you probably will over the coming months.
Cloud browsers have been praised by security experts as the best way for average PC users to protect their security online.
What are cloud browsers? Why should you use a cloud browser? Should you use a cloud browser? Read below and your questions will be answered.
What is a cloud browser?
A cloud browser is an internet browser that uses the magical power of “the cloud” to enhance security, block advertisements, and sync browser data between devices.
The browser connects to cloud servers in order to sync all information. The ultimate goal of cloud browsers is:
-Better security via cloud-delivered virus information
-Shared bookmarks, browser history, and session information between devices
-Shared settings between mobile browsers, desktop browsers, and all other browsers
Advantage 1: Better Security
Every browser – cloud or not – promises to give you better security. Cloud browsers aim to actually deliver on that promise using regular virus signal updates that are delivered via the cloud.
Another important advantage of cloud browsers is that some browsers will only become accessible after users have entered a password. Once that password is verified, the cloud browser recalls all of the user’s personal data – including bookmarks, history, saved form information, etc.
Advantage 2: Synced Information
Obviously, having all information synced across all devices presents a dangerous security threat. If someone gains access to your tablet or smartphone, then they can access data you’ve entered on your work desktop computer or other devices.
That’s why some cloud browsers force users to enter a password every time they use the browser. Whether you’re on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop PC, you’re going to have to type in your own unique password every time you access the browser.
Advantage 3: Magic Cloud Features
The way so-called “tech gurus” talk about the cloud, you’d think it was some magical all-knowing being located in the sky.
That’s not really true, but the cloud does offer some neat features that you might like on your browser, including:
-Shared settings across all devices and browsers
-Shared information and forms
-Shared online documents and downloaded files
-Shared virus and malware signals
The power of the cloud is only beginning to be exploited by browsers, so expect bigger things in the future. We don’t know which features the cloud will bring next, but there’s a lot of potential here.
Should you use a cloud browser?
Cloud browsers aren’t always practical for everyday usage.
Do you really care if someone catches you searching for “good chicken recipes” or “lyrics for wake me up”? Probably not. For everyday searching, there’s nothing wrong with your traditional browsers.
However, many security experts suggest using a secure cloud browser for entering all personal information online. If you’re accessing PayPal, shopping websites, or social media, for example, then you should consider using a cloud-based browser to keep that information hidden and secure.
There’s a second reason why you might like to use a cloud browser
If you’re a corporation looking for more information about cloud browser solutions, then read this Forbes article. Forbes profiles some of the top cloud browsers available to corporations today while also briefly mentioning cloud browsers that cater to users.
Best cloud browsers available today
There are two major cloud browsers available to internet users today, including:
-Google Chrome
-Maxthon
Both options are free. If you want paid solutions for corporate use, that Forbes article linked above is a good place to start.
Whether you’re a privacy-loving individual or a privacy-needing corporation, cloud browsers are a sign of the future. Although there are currently limited options available, you can expect more options to appear on the market in the near future.
