Overview
By default, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers automatically download all files to a user’s Downloads folder when saving files from the Internet. This folder resides on the C: drive of a computer (“C:\Users\username\Downloads) and is set by the vendor, but individuals can change this setting.
Sensitive files being downloaded should be stored in a secure location and not in a user’s Downloads folder.
Best practice recommends that staff/users change this setting within their respective browsers and toggle the button to the right to “Ask where to save each file before downloading.” This ensures the user is prompted and can act accordingly by browsing to a secure location (i.e. W: drive) when saving sensitive files.
Details
The following images are screenshots of the setting for each browser where users can enable this.
Chrome:
Click the three dots in the top right corner then click Settings. Click Downloads on the left.
Edge:
Click the three dots in the top right corner then click Settings. Click Downloads on the left.
Firefox:
Click the three horizontal lines in the top right corner then click Settings. Scroll down to Files and Applications.
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