secure browser extensions
- Sep 11, 2018
- 2 min read
1. AdBlock Plus
While you surf the world wide web, there are certain things that track your information and compile it into a database. These “things” are better known as scripts. Scripts are invisible to the visitor's eye, but their availability within the code of a website defines how the website behaves in response to certain click requests sent by the user.
Sometimes, scripts give you unwanted ads and annoying pop-ups while you are trying to navigate a web page. This is where an extension such as AdBlock Plus comes in handy. This extension blocks banner ads, pop-up ads, rollover ads, and more. It stops you from visiting known malware-hosting domains, can prevent data being sent to advertisers, and it can disable third-party tracking cookies and scripts. Essentially, ad blocker extensions like this one give you more control over your browsing experience.
2. Privacy Badger
Privacy Badger keeps an eye out for suspicious third parties tracking you while you browse different websites, then jumps to your defense by blocking their tracking cookies. Cookies keep tabs on your browsing history and internet behavior, and if an advertiser is tracking your cookies, this extension will automatically block that advertiser from loading any more content in your browser. All in all, this little badger’s job is to blocks spying ads and invisible trackers – making it a good buddy to have by your side while you surf the internet.
3. HTTPS Everywhere Generally speaking, there are two types of web URLs – HTTP and HTTPS. The difference here is the ‘S’ at the end of HTTPS, which stands for ‘Secure’. However, many web pages do not route you to the secure versions of their webpages automatically.
The HTTPS Everywhere extension takes care of that by rewriting requests to direct you to HTTPS-secured sites. So, if your browsing takes you to unsecured areas of a website, HTTPS Everywhere will redirect you to the encrypted HTTPS site and keep your sensitive data from leaking and third parties from snooping.
I read the post about secure browser extensions and it made me think about how careful we have to be online to keep our information safe. Last semester when I was overwhelmed with schoolwork I used online course takers at that time to help me finish parts I was stuck on and it really took off some stress. That reminded me that getting help when you need it can make big tasks feel easier and clearer.
I read the Secure Browser Extensions post and it helped me see that while extensions can add features or block ads, they can also come with real risks for your data and privacy if they ask for too many permissions or come from unknown sources. I once had such a heavy workload that I relied on take my online exam for me help just to stay on track and not break down. Your topic reminded me that even tools meant to help need careful checking before we trust them.