Web Browsers Security – Internet Explorer (IE), Firefox, Safari, Opera

By | June 16, 2008 | 11 Comments

Web Browsers Security - Internet Explorer (IE), Firefox, Safari, OperaSome time ago we’ve posted an article about web browsers security which is based on Secunia reports.
Well, before the Firefox 3 release, it’s time to check how web browsers (latest “stable” versions) are doing now (2nd round).

Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.x
Affected By: 28 Secunia advisories
Unpatched: 32% (9 of 28 Secunia advisories)
The most severe unpatched Secunia advisory is rated Moderately critical.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.x

Mozilla Firefox 2.0.x
Affected By: 23 Secunia advisories
Unpatched: 13% (3 of 23 Secunia advisories)
The most severe unpatched Secunia advisory is rated Less critical

Mozilla Firefox 2.0.x

Safari 3.x
Affected By: 3 Secunia advisories
Unpatched: 33% (1 of 3 Secunia advisories)
The most severe unpatched Secunia advisory is rated Less critical

Safari 3.x

Opera 9.x
Affected By: 13 Secunia advisories
Unpatched: 0% (0 of 13 Secunia advisories)

Opera 9.x

Unfortunately, I was not able to find any decent source to compare average patching time for all web browsers.

As a result:

1. Opera 9.x – 0 unpatched. Most secure web browser (2nd time).
2. Safari 3.x – 1 unpatched.
3. Firefox 2.x – 3 unpatched.
4. Internet Explorer 7.x – 9 unpatched. Most insecure web browser.

Some of you might not agree with that because Safari 3.x has 3 security advisories and only 2 marked as highly while Opera had much more. However, Safari 3.x is quite a new release (compared to other ones) and because it also has 1 unpatched security advisor, we are leaving the way it is now.

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About (Author Profile)


Vygantas is a former web designer whose projects are used by companies such as AMD, NVIDIA and departed Westood Studios. Being passionate about software, Vygantas began his journalism carrier back in 2007 when he founded FavBrowser.com. Having said that, he is also an adrenaline junkie who enjoys good books, fitness activities and Forex trading.

  • http://www.favbrowser.com Vygantas Lipskas

    Just to note:

    Opera 9.27 had no unpatched advisories as well.

  • Nico zandberg

    Just confirming again that the least used browser is the best. How people still argue against it is above me

  • Dot.

    Since when is most “secure” the same as the best?
    As long as the attacker can’t get access to my system; security is the least important thing about a browser for me.

  • Nico Zandberg

    Well it’s also the fastest. Has the best support for web standards. Syncrionize with you everywhere. Combines with your mobile and even game consoles.

  • http://www.delaytactics.com/ Bernardo Farah

    Opera doesn’t disappoint. It’s not the fastest anymore, mind you – I think it’s slightly slower at page rendering than Firefox – and FF3 definitely has a better bookmarks system. If Opera start copying other people who’ve been copying them, they’ll have a better chance to grow.

  • Alex K

    ” If Opera start copying other people who’ve been copying them, they’ll have a better chance to grow.”

    Good one.

  • http://www.bluecirclet.com/ ameo

    it has been proven so many times that opera is the most secure ,
    as for speed . i’ve seen what FF 3 can do , opera is still my choice

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  • nasr

    pls send opera web browser

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  • http://procasts.co.uk Ian Ozsvald (ProCasts.co.uk)

    IE8 and Firefox 3 are shown in this 8 minute screencast:
    http://showmedo.com/videos/video?name=3150000&fromSeriesID=315

    The video aims to convince the viewer to switch to Firefox, it also pleads with IE6 users to please upgrade to a better browser.

    The Awesome Bar, improved security record and plug-ins are demo, the viewer is shown how to download IE8, IE7 and FF3.

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