Browser extensions can be useful, but they can also consume inordinate CPU resources and potentially expose sensitive data. Regularly review your extensions to see if you really need them and remove any that aren’t used or essential. Also pay attention to the permissions each one asks for when you install it.

Many websites now give you the option to receive notifications directly from them, similar to an app. The prompt will usually provide options for “Allow” or “Block.” Most of the time, you’ll want to block them since they can be very intrusive and potentially lead you to risky sites.

This browser extension from the Electronic Frontier Foundation provides an extra layer of protection for your web browsing. It will encrypt your connection to different sites and services so that it is more difficult for anyone to track your activity. The extension is free to download and is available for most major web browsers.

Occasionally browsers require the installation of additional software known as plug-ins to provide additional functionality. Like Java and ActiveX controls, plug-ins may be used in an attack, so before installing them, make sure that they are necessary and that the site you have to download them from is trustworthy.

HTTPS is secure and HTTP is not. You never want to shop, view your bank account or do anything similarly sensitive without an HTTPS connection. You can broaden HTTPS protections through browser extensions like HTTPS Everywhere, which encrypt the connections between your browser and the many common advertising and analytics sites that are loaded on […]