🌐 Web Browsing

🛠️ What is it?#

Web browsing is the process of accessing and interacting with online content through browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. While it’s essential for work, entertainment, and research, web browsing also introduces risks such as phishing, malware infections, and data tracking by advertisers or malicious actors.

🚨 Why is this important?#

Every website visit leaves a trail of digital breadcrumbs. Without protective measures:

• Personal data can be stolen through phishing scams.
• Malware can infect your devices via malicious ads or downloads.
• Advertisers, ISPs, and even hackers can track your browsing habits to build detailed profiles or exploit vulnerabilities.

Safe web browsing practices help protect your privacy, data, and devices from these threats.

🛡️ What can I do?#

🟢 Start Here (The Basics)#

1. Use a Secure Browser
   Choose browsers that prioritize privacy and security:

   • Brave: Blocks ads and trackers by default.
   • Firefox: Highly customizable with strong privacy add-ons.
   • LibreWolf: A privacy-focused fork of Firefox.

2. Check for HTTPS
   Always ensure the URL starts with https://, which encrypts your connection to the website. Avoid entering sensitive information on sites without this protection.

3. Install Tracker Blockers
   Extensions like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger prevent ads and trackers from following your online activity.

4. Beware of Pop-Ups and Ads
   Be cautious of pop-ups, especially those claiming urgent warnings. Use blockers like uBlock Origin to prevent malicious ads from loading.

5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Without Protection
   Public Wi-Fi networks are prone to eavesdropping. Always use a VPN like ProtonVPN to encrypt your internet traffic.

🔵 Want Extra Protection? (Leveling Up)#

1. Enable Private Browsing
   Use incognito or private modes to prevent your browser from saving history, cookies, or search terms.

   • Note: This doesn’t prevent tracking by your ISP or employer.

2. Harden Your Browser Settings
   Adjust browser settings for enhanced security:

   • Disable third-party cookies.
   • Turn off JavaScript for unknown websites using tools like NoScript.

3. Clear Cookies and Cache Regularly
   Delete stored cookies, cache, and browsing history to reduce the risk of data accumulation by websites.

4. Switch to Privacy-First Search Engines

   • DuckDuckGo: Avoids tracking and filtering search results based on personal data.
   • Startpage: Uses Google’s search results but anonymizes queries.

5. Inspect URLs for Phishing Attempts
   Hover over links before clicking to check the actual destination. Look for suspicious or misspelled domains (e.g., “gooogle.com” instead of “google.com”).

6. Consider Using Tor for Maximum Privacy
   Use the Tor Browser to anonymize your browsing and access content without revealing your IP address.

📚 Handy Tools and Resources#

• Secure Browsers:

  • Brave
  • Tor Browser
  • LibreWolf

• Privacy Extensions:

  • uBlock Origin
  • Privacy Badger

• VPN Recommendations:

  • ProtonVPN
  • Mullvad VPN

✍️ Quick Tips#

• Use a password manager to prevent entering credentials on phishing sites.
• Turn on browser auto-updates to patch vulnerabilities.
• Avoid using your main email address when signing up for websites; use aliases or temporary email services instead.
• Be cautious of shortened links—use link expander tools to reveal their destination.

📝 Checklist#

• Use a secure, privacy-focused browser (e.g., Brave, Firefox).
• Install tracker-blocking extensions.
• Clear cookies and cache regularly to protect your privacy.
• Use a VPN when accessing public Wi-Fi.
• Check for HTTPS and inspect URLs before entering sensitive data.
• Consider using Tor Browser for anonymous browsing.

📖 Sources#

• Awesome Privacy – Browsers and Extensions
• Tor Project – Anonymous Browsing
• uBlock Origin – Ad and Tracker Blocking
• DuckDuckGo – Private Search