Recommended Browser Security Extensions
The listed browser extensions do not cost money. They are supported on a donation basis, so you may feel inclined to donate "beer" money to the developer.
These extensions have been suggested based on their popularity. It is okay to install all of them but, for first timers, you may want to install them one at a time and test how it affects your browser's behavior. I have also listed below the level of expertise each one requires and that should help you determine which one you can install without worry.
Adblock
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BetterPrivacy and Ghostery
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HTTPS Everywhere
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ScriptSafe and NoScript
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Web of Trust
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**NEW** Dashlane - Password Manager
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Installing Browser Extensions
The Chrome and Firefox browser extensions do not require computer adminstrative privileges to install!
Extensions are organized by how easy they are to use and setup.
Chrome
Extension Name | User Rating | Level of Ease to Use |
---|---|---|
AdBlock and Adblock Plus | 4.66 User Rating | Easy |
HTTPS Everywhere | 4.51 User Rating | Easy |
Web of Trust | 4.59 User Rating | Easy |
Ghostery | 4.78 User Rating | Intermediate |
ScriptSafe | 4.05 User Rating | Advanced |
User ratings were collected on 12/5/2014.
FireFox
Extension Name | Level of Ease to Use |
---|---|
Adblock Plus | Easy |
HTTPS Everywhere (External website) | Easy |
Web of Trust | Easy |
BetterPrivacy OR Ghostery | Intermediate |
NoScript | Intermediate |
Internet Explorer (Links are to external sites)
The Internet Explorer browser extensions require administrative privileges to install.
Appendix
Questions
Can I install these extensions on my iPad or iPhone? - As of March 2014, there is no support for installing extensions to your browser on an iPad/iPhone. However, browsing from these devices is a little more secure due to the lack of flash support.
Useful Websites
- How to Harden Your Browser Against Malware and Privacy Concerns
- This is a great and comprehensive article on keeping your computer safe.
- EITS - Office of Information Security
Glossary
Cookie - usually a small piece of data sent from a website and stored in a user's web browser while a user is browsing a website. When the user browses the same website in the future, the data stored in the cookie can be retrieved by the website to notify the website of the user's previous activity. See an actual cookie file.