Along with your email suite, your browser is the most vulnerable point of entry for malware. A while ago Internet Explorer was the swiss cheese of browser security. It was becoming a bit of a joke really, a bitter joke, for IE users. You didn't have to look very hard for a PC help site/forum where the IE security flaws were bemoaned and discussed at length. That changed, however, when Microsoft issued Service Pack 2 which went a long way towards securing IE (and Outlook Express) against internet threats.
If Microsoft keeps improving IE the way they did with SP2, one day soon there will be almost no difference in the level of protection between Firefox and IE. Kudos to Microsoft.

Now with the release of Internet Explorer 7, Microsoft has increased security for Windows users further still.
The problem with Internet Explorer is that it is the prime target for internet bad guys. Why? Because everybody uses it.
Well, not everybody. But some 75-80% of people surfing the net use Internet Explorer. So it's only natural that internet villains are going to target the most visible and accessible browser.

To add to the problem is the fact that Internet explorer never intended to be a secure browser. Not that it was made intentionally porous. It's just that Microsoft never made security a priority in designing Internet Explorer. As a result, Microsoft has had to play catch up with internet crackers who constantly look for security holes in IE. And they're not hard to find as any IE user who has downloaded dozens of security updates will attest.

I think this will change some with the release of IE7. Unlike previous incarnation of Internet Explorer, Microsoft made security a priority in designing IE7. There should be fewer flaws and exploits in IE and critical updates issued as a result which should make for safer more enjoyable browsing for IE users.

That being said, however, IE will still be targeted by the internet crackers and at some point, one of them will break through.
IE7 has the latest security technology built into it but the villains of the internet never sleep it seems and they have proven remarkably quick studies and adaptable to measures taken against them.

That's why smart and/or informed surfers will still, as they have in the past, look for alternatives to IE and switch to one of the lesser known browsers some of which are made specifically with security in mind.

Internet Explorer has gotten a lot better but Firefox (Mozilla) is still a good alternative. In fact PC World named it the 2005 product of the year. It's also Free.
The best thing about Firefox is that it was built from the ground up with security in mind. It was designed specifically to withstand attacks on its code. That's (partly) why you so seldom hear about security flaws being found in Firefox.

Opera is another good choice. Opera's browser is fast, safe, secure and multi featured. It blocks popups and phishing scams. It is customizable and even comes with an Opera mail account and voice control of Opera's various features.
As with Firefox, Opera was designed to be Best of all, Opera is now free. That's right. You can get the fully functional Opera browser for free. If you go for the full license version which costs $29.00 U.S., you will get support from Opera for example,
help with:
* installation and upgrade of Opera

* transitioning from another browser to Opera

* configuration and customization of Opera

* resolving support issues

Slim Browser is a good browser. It's got something of a cult following. Not many people know about Slim Browser, but those who use it recommend it to others.

SlimBrowser is similar to IE7, Firefox, Netscape and Opera. It's a tabbed multiple-site browser. It incorporates a large collection of powerful features like built-in popup killer, skinned window frame, form filler, site group, quick-search, auto login and more. It all combines for user friendly and fast browsing.

Netscape

Online Browser Scans

There is a free online browser security test here . Check "run all available tests" and be patient. It take a little while, not long, but it does return some useful results.

Qualys is an active player in the network security business, especially at the business and enterprise level. They offer a free online scan of your browser which provides some useful info about your browser, your operating system and your general security status.

Security Help Forums

Castle Cops
Castle Cops is one of the premier security forums. You will find everything you need there to secure your PC. It has a neat section where members can submit reviews of software programs.

Wilders Security Forums
Wilders is a favorite of mine. They are the official forums for a number of prominent security software programs including Nod32, Diamond CS, Javacool (the makers of SpyWare Guard & SpyWare Blaster) and Acronis. They also have a number of sections devoted to other privacy and security issues and software programs including firewalls, antivirusses, browser hijacks and trojans.


Cnet's Virus and Security Alerts forum

Spyware Information.com - Find free downloads, valuable information, removal tips and new articles about adware and spyware removal programs to protect your identity.




Another good resource for PC/Internet security.
Part of the "MyWebsite" series, MyPCSecurity provides PC security news and tools. They're looking for moderators


WindowSecurity.com - Your complete Windows Security resource
Windows security site which provides Windows security news, articles, tutorials, software listings and reviews for information security professionals covering topics such as firewalls, viruses, intrusion detection and other security topics. Includes an online trojan and email security scan.


MacintoshSecurity.com
MacintoshSecurity.com is a website devoted to the security of Mac users throughout the world. This site is composed of user contributed submissions of Macintosh security related stories, tips, and downloads.