When you browse the web, there are a variety of potential dangers that you can run into without even realizing it. Browser security plug-ins can help to keep you far more safe so that you can browse without worry. Knowing what the best ones are will save you time and allow you to get back to browsing as quickly as possible.
AdBlock Plus
This plug-in only blocks advertisements which helps to clean up websites with ads all over them making them easier to read and scan. This one is particularly interesting because it allows you to tweak it. You can white-list sites that you want to be able to display ads. You can also use a malicious ad blocklist for additional security when browsing the web. This one can be used with Chrome and Firefox.
HTTPS Everywhere
This plug-in helps in securing the connection between the servers you are connecting to and your browser. Even when a website does not offer added security, this will help in encrypting your connection. For example, you know a server is secure when the beginning of the web address has “https” instead of just “http.” This plug-in pretty much adds the “s” even when the website does not offer this itself. This allows you to be further protected from several different hacking tools as well. This one works with Firefox.
LastPass
This plug-in is a password protector. When this is turned on, your password is stored and encrypted. As an added bonus, you can use this to generate new passwords that are not easy to figure out whenever you feel the need for a new password. Every browser can use this plug-in, so you can always keep your passwords safe.
NoScript
This one only does a single thing, but it is very helpful. It blocks scripts like Flash, Quicktime and JavaScript from loading in your browser. This is important because “bad” websites will sometimes use scripts to attack vectors. This can result in your browser crashing and the hacker getting into your computer. Blocking these greatly increases your web security. You can choose to only block unsafe domains or third party scripts. Some scripts have to be allowed to use most of the popular internet sites. This one only works with Firefox.
Web of Trust
This one is very handy. It will tell you whether or not a website is safe before you click on it. It will provide a warning that is clear so that you can choose to avoid using this website. User ratings determine which sites are safe or not, making it rather useful and accurate. This one works with all browsers.
Flash Block
This plug-in has more than one duty, though its most important is how it helps to protect your security. When this is on, all flash content is automatically blocked. A placeholder is where the flash item is so that you know it is there and can choose to activate it or not. You can also create your own personal white list for the sites that you want to see flash content on. For sites that you do not trust, you can block items on these sites. In addition to added security, this may be helpful with reducing cpu cycles, lowering memory usage and being used in place of AdBlock. This one is only available for Chrome.
If your browser does in fact encounter a security threat, be sure to take the necessary steps to remedy the incident. This can best be done by consulting a digital forensic specialist from companies like LWG Consulting, Evestigate, and Digits LLC.
About Author
John Dayton’s extensive career covering the tech industry has been filled with accolades, When he isn’t writing poignant articles, you can find John reviewing LWG Consulting. Visit their website to learn more.
