How Microsoft’s plan may give it an ‘Edge’ over Google | #cybersecurity | #cyberattack | #education | #technology | #infosec

Microsoft has been improving upon its Edge browser and tempting users to switch to it from Chrome by even calling it the best browser for Windows. Still, the switch to Edge didn’t happen as the company might have aimed for and Google Chrome is still the market leader. Now, Microsoft has another trick up its sleeve to get more users to embrace Edge. The tech giant is actually going to add a free VPN to its Edge browser, which could significantly make more users switch to Edge. The feature is detailed on the support page of the company.
The tech giant calls the feature the ‘Microsoft Edge Secure Network’, which is currently in the preview stage. The aim of the “Secure Network”? To encrypt your internet connection to protect you from hackers, save you from online tracking and keep your location private, which is what is expected from a VPN service. Microsoft has partnered with Cloudflare for the VPN service.
You’ll get 1GB of free data every month when you sign in to Microsoft Edge with their Microsoft accounts.
How to switch on and use the Microsoft Secure Network
To use it and get acquainted with the feature, you’ll need to sign in with your Microsoft account into Edge, go to ‘Settings and more’ and click on ‘Secure Network’. Then, the VPN will get active and your browser frame will get a solid shield icon. The feature will turn off automatically when you close the Edge browser and you’ll have to turn the feature on again if you want to use it next time.
Right now, the feature is in preview. Chances are that the Edge Insiders will get to use the feature first. The final build is expected to be rolled out in a few weeks.
Mind you that it is totally free VPN and by giving this in Edge, Microsoft has certainly made the browser domination game interesting as its rivals, Google and Mozilla, do allow for VPN services in their browsers but they are paid ones.