How do I set up Secure Browsing or Safe Browsing in Cogeco Security?

Before getting started: This article covers the latest version of Cogeco Security, which is available for free to all Cogeco Internet subscribers. Learn more about updating to the new version.

Secure Browsing on a computer works with your web browsers to provide a safe environment by blocking malicious websites. Safe Browsing on a mobile device uses a specific browser to provide a safe environment. After installing Cogeco Security on your device, we recommend also setting up Secure Browsing or Safe Browsing to make sure you’re always protected. See below for instructions for each device type.

• Setting up Secure Browsing on a computer
• Setting up Safe Browsing on an iOS device
• Setting up Safe Browsing on an Android device
• Managing Allowed and Blocked Websites (Windows)
• Managing Allowed and Blocked Websites (macOS)

Setting up Secure Browsing on a computer

On a computer, Secure Browsing is specific to the browser you’re using and will need to be set up on each browser individually. You’ll see a prompt to set up your first browser extension on the Cogeco Security home page after installing the program.

1. Open the Cogeco Security program.
2. Look for a task on the home page indicating you need to set up a browser extension and select Set up.
   
   • If you dismissed the task previously, select Secure Browsing and look for the Set up button there.
3. This will open the settings for your default browser so you can authorize the extension.
   
   • The steps to add an extension vary by operating system and browser, but it’ll take you to the correct extension automatically.

Your default browser is now protected. After setting up your first browser, you may not be prompted with a task on the main page, but you can select Secure Browsing and then Settings to add the extension for other browsers.

Note: On a Windows computer, Secure Browsing also includes Secure Banking. This will be enabled using the same browser extension for added protection when visiting a banking site. Learn more about Secure Banking.

Setting up Safe Browsing on an iOS device

On an iOS device, you can set up Safe Browsing for the default browser, Safari.

1. Open the Cogeco Security app.
2. Select Safe Browsing.
3. If you haven’t added the extension yet, there will be a notification at the top of the page. Select Set up.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to add the extension.

Safe Browsing will now be active whenever you’re using Safari. If you want to protect additional browsers on your iOS device, you’ll need to enable Privacy VPN, which is only available with Cogeco Security+. Learn more about upgrading to Cogeco Security+.

Once you’ve upgraded to Cogeco Security+, you can enable Privacy VPN. Here’s how:

1. Return to the Safe Browsing page. There should now be another notification about Privacy VPN. Select Turn on VPN.
2. If your device is password-protected, you’ll be prompted to enter your password.

Safe Browsing with Privacy VPN is now enabled so your device has an extra layer of protection, no matter which browser you’re using. Learn more about managing your VPN settings.

Setting up Safe Browsing on an Android device

On an Android device, Safe Browsing is only available in the Browser app that will be installed automatically when you install Cogeco Security. You can open the app directly, or select Safe Browsing from the Cogeco Security app.

If you want to protect additional browsers on your Android device, you’ll need to enable Privacy VPN, which is only available with Cogeco Security+. Learn more about upgrading to Cogeco Security+.

Once you’ve upgraded to Cogeco Security+, you can enable Privacy VPN. Here’s how:

1. Open the Cogeco Security app.
2. Select Safe Browsing.
3. Select TURN ON VPN.
4. If your device is password-protected, you’ll be prompted to enter your password.

Safe Browsing with Privacy VPN is now enabled so your device has an extra layer of protection, no matter which browser you’re using. Learn more about managing your VPN settings.

Managing Allowed and Blocked Websites (Windows)

1. Open the Cogeco Security program.
2. From the home screen, select Secure Browsing & Banking.
3. Select Website exceptions under Tools.
   
   • Note: This will require Admin access on your computer so you may need to log in to make changes.
4. Select the Allowed or Blocked tab.
5. Select Add new.
6. Enter the address you want to allow or block.
7. Select OK.

Note: These exceptions will only apply to the computer where you set them up.

Managing Allowed and Blocked Websites (macOS)

1. Open the Cogeco Security program.
2. From the home screen, select Secure Browsing.
3. Select Manage allowed and blocked websites under Tools.
   
   • Note: This will require Admin access on your computer so you may need to log in to make changes.
4. Under Allowed websites, select the + button.
5. Enter the address you want to allow and press return to save it.

Note: These exceptions will only apply to the computer where you set them up.