5 Simple Tips to Secure Your Firefox browser
1. Activate a Password
Firefox by default allows anyone who accesses your computer to log in to sites where you’ve saved the password. User also can see the list username and password of website saved in Firefox's Options menu.
Luckily, Firefox can create a master password to encrypts and protect passwords saved. To activate this password, open Firefox's options menu, select options, open security tab and tick “Use a master password”. This is a great method helps you avoid being others accidental see your password.
2. Use a strong password for syncing
Like as Google Chrome, Firefox has feature sync favorites websites, password, data, etc between different firefox on different computers or device. Firefox encrypts all the data that is synced not just only pw saved such as Google chrome.
In addition, Firefox has more security features than Chrome. In Firefox, you have to login with Firefox Sync password. After that, enter a random passcode from the new device into device you set up already, or use recovery key from a device set up already and enter this key in to the new device. To enable or change sync settings, click Options and setting in Sync tab.
3. Verify that security options are enabled
Like other popular browsers, Firefox includes some basic security and privacy settings. Though most are enabled by default, you should ensure they haven’t been disabled.
Open the Firefox menu and select Options. In the Options, select Security tab. Tick “Warn me when sites try to install add-ons” to help prevent sites from automatically installing add-ons, as some can be dangerous. Next two options include “Block reported attack sites” and “Block reported web forgeries” are also checked to help enable protection against malware and phishing.
Make sure the first three security options are selected to protect against malware and phishing attacks.
In addition, To prevent pop-up windows that can be annoying and even contain phishing ads, ensure that the first option is enabled “Block pop-up windows”.
Lastly, select the Advanced tab, select the Update subtab, and ensure that Automatically install updates is selected.
4. Use add-ons for more protection
NoScript helps you control which sites can use JavaScript, Silverlight, Flash, and other embedded content, as they can be used maliciously to infect your computer or for phishing attempts.
Adblock Plus blocks banners, pop-ups, and video advertisements on websites to reduce clutter and the resulting annoyance; they can even reduce accidentally stumbling upon adware, malware, and phishing attacks.
Web of Trust (WOT) shows the user ratings of sites and blocks dangerous sites—such as those with malware—to increase safe surfing, shopping, and searching on the Web.
HTTPS Finder automatically detects and enforces HTTPS/SSL-encrypted connections when available—great in helping to reduce the chances of an eavesdropper on a Wi-Fi network from capturing your login details.
Xpnd.it! short URL expander allows you to hover over shortened links to see the real URL and other basic information about the site so you know where it leads before clicking..
5. Check and update plug-ins
Cyber criminals regularly use vulnerabilities in popular browser plug-ins (like Java and Adobe products) to infect and invade computers. Most plug-ins regularly release updates to patch security holes. Many plug-ins are set by default to update automatically or at least to notify you of them. However, it’s a good idea to check periodically for updates. Consider using the Mozilla plug-in checker or third-party sites like Qualys BrowserCheck for updates for other browsers.
Source: pcworld
