To take action : 10–15 min · Depending on your devices and accounts
Your browser says more about you than you think
Fewer extensions, reviewed permissions and an up-to-date browser.
PatchYourself · Last editorial revision : · Sources
Fictional example: an everyday situation
A coupon extension asks to read every page Jules opens. He realizes he no longer needs it and removes it. He then checks the permissions of the few extensions he keeps.
The problem
Your browser opens accounts and documents. Some extensions can read or change the contents of visited websites. This may be necessary for their function, but also grants substantial access.
Popularity, high ratings and an app-store listing do not guarantee an extension will remain safe. Its features, permissions or owners can change.
What to do now
Step 1: Check updates
Open your browser’s help menu or “About” page. Install available updates and restart when needed. On an organization-managed device, follow its instructions.
Step 2: Review extensions
Open the extension list and remove those you no longer use. For the rest, check the publisher, purpose and websites they can access. Reduce that access when supported and appropriate for the intended use.
Step 3: Enable built-in protections
Review privacy and tracking-protection settings. Firefox provides Enhanced Tracking Protection, for example. A stricter setting may disrupt some websites: understand an exception before adding one.
Step 4: Choose a compatible blocker
On Firefox, uBlock Origin is an option. On Chrome, distinguish uBlock Origin Lite, designed for Manifest V3, from the older uBlock Origin extension that is no longer normally available there. Search for the exact name and verify the publisher in the official store. Avoid similarly named copies and installation through advertisements.
A blocker reduces some advertising and tracking requests. It does not make browsing anonymous or replace verification of a request for payment or credentials.
Go further
Private browsing
This mainly limits traces kept locally after the session closes. It does not hide activity from a website you sign into, a monitored device or every network intermediary.
Browser fingerprints
Websites combine technical characteristics to try to recognize a browser: fingerprinting. Adding many privacy extensions can also change your fingerprint. Prefer a small, understandable set of protections.
Sources and verification
References used for this revision. Menus and offers can change; consult the provider’s help for your version.