Secure Browsing Guide
Essential practices and tools for safe, private web browsing.
Secure Browsing Essentials
Your browser is the gateway to the internet. Proper configuration and habits protect your privacy and security.
Privacy-Focused Browsers
Firefox
Open-source. Enhanced Tracking Protection. Privacy-focused nonprofit. Customizable. Best mainstream option.
Brave
Built-in ad/tracker blocking. Privacy by default. Chromium-based. Crypto features optional.
Tor Browser
Maximum anonymity. Routes through multiple servers. Slow but very private. For sensitive browsing.
Essential Browser Extensions
- uBlock Origin: Ad and tracker blocker. Most effective. Free and open-source.
- Privacy Badger: EFF tool. Learns and blocks trackers automatically.
- HTTPS Everywhere: Forces encrypted connections. Essential security.
- Decentraleyes: Blocks CDN tracking. Loads resources locally.
- ClearURLs: Removes tracking parameters from URLs.
Browser Configuration
Block Third-Party Cookies
Settings → Privacy → Block all third-party cookies. Breaks some sites but worth it.
Enable Do Not Track
Settings → Privacy → Send "Do Not Track" request. Not enforced but signals preference.
Clear Data on Exit
Settings → Privacy → Clear cookies and site data when closing browser.
Disable Autofill
Settings → Autofill → Turn off address and payment autofill for privacy.
Search Engines
- DuckDuckGo: No tracking. Privacy by design. Good results.
- Startpage: Uses Google results privately. No tracking or profiling.
- Brave Search: Independent index. No tracking. Growing quality.
- Qwant: EU-based. Privacy-focused. No tracking or filter bubble.
Safe Browsing Habits
- Always check URL before entering credentials - watch for typos
- Look for HTTPS padlock - don't enter data on HTTP sites
- Hover over links before clicking - verify destination
- Use private/incognito mode for sensitive searches
- Don't click links in unexpected emails
- Keep browser updated - security patches critical
- Use different browsers for different activities