A top internet security firm has recommended Google’s Chrome browser as the safest one available.

“What we recommend at Kaspersky Lab is Google Chrome. It’s not an advertisement, but this is the most secure, the most protected browser on the market now,” Sergey Novikov, head of Kaspersky Lab Global Research and Analysis Team told News24.

He said that the browser, which was launch in 2008, had unique technology that made it more secure than competing browsers to surf the internet.

“They have sandboxing inside the browser. This is the only browser that has sandboxing inside. To be on the safe side, it’s better to use Google Chrome for browsing the internet.”

According to Statcounter.com, Chrome is the fastest growing browser, growing to about 30% of users in March 2012.

Safety

Novikov warned that no browser is 100% safe as hackers could compromise a website and put users at risk.

“The problem with websites, even trusted websites, is that they can be hacked and the malicious script can be installed and all the visitors will get this malicious script,” he said.

Google recently offered hackers $1m prize if they could demonstrate vulnerabilities in the Chrome browser.

The internet giant has offered prize money for demonstrating a bug in the browser that could be used with a flaw in Windows 7 to take control of a computer.

Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE) is still the dominant browser, but it’s share is declining in the face of rivals. On March 18, Chrome briefly overtook IE to lead browser use statistics.

Hack attacks have become more concentrated at financial gain and according to Kaspersky Lab, a trend in Eastern Europe illustrates how hackers are able to extract money from victims.

“In Eastern Europe there’s a Trojan that’s quite popular – it blocks your Windows machine. You can’t go to the Start button, My Documents, My Computer – you can’t use it.

“There’s a message on the screen that says if you want to return to your operating system and your files, you have to make a payment through your mobile phone,” said Novikov.

Attacks

While the incidents of this kind of attack are still quite small, it shows that hackers are increasingly targeting computer users for financial reward and information.

There has also been growth in so-called “hacktivists” groups like Anonymous that target corporations because of perceived liability.

Anonymous attacked the websites of the US Justice Department, the FBI, Universal Music Group in protest at the Stop Online Piracy Act and MasterCard when the credit provider refused to process donations for WikiLeaks.

In 2011, Sony was embarrassed when hackers compromised the PlayStation Network was hacked and millions of users’ details was compromised.

Novikov said that hackers are able to steal information for profit.

“They [criminals] are stealing information to sell it to competitors; other vendors – there are several examples of this.”