Growing up everyone always said to be careful of the internet! I remember countless family computers getting “lost” to malware. In my High School days I learned partially how sketchy the internet can be. Try going back to 2012 and downloading a Minecraft mod. When you have 10+ download buttons, which one is legit? It was during this time in my life I began to learn how important it was to run an Ad-Blocker.
Over the last decade, cybersecurity has become a huge worldwide issue and I find its even more difficult these days to know who and what to trust!
1. uBlock Origin
uBlock Origin is a must have Browser Plugin. It’s code is open-source on GitHub, its exceptionally lightweight from a resource perspective, and is exceptionally effective at blocking advertisements and other online tracking technologies.
2. Privacy Badger
This is an Browser plugin that detects and blocks trackers/fingerprinting effectively. It is developed by the EFF, the same folks that brought us Lets Encrypt.
Privacy Badger itself is not an ad-blocker as but an effective anti-fingerprinting/tracking plugin.
3. MB Browser Guard
Malwarebytes Browser Guard is yet another layer of ad-blocking and anti-fingerprinting. However the neat feature that helped Browser Guard make my list is its anti-malware feature. It actively monitors and prevents crypto-mining software and crypto-scanning as well as preventing application level port scanning from connected sources.
4. Bitwarden
Bitwarden is an online password manager similar to LastPass, 1Password, and Dashlane. Bitwarden has actually replaced KeePass inside my household which is one hell of a feat! Its cross-platform and self-hosted support puts it miles ahead of the competition on top of the fact that they have not yet had any data breaches. Be sure to download the Application and the Browser Plugin.
- Hosted on Azure
- All data fields are encrypted
- Cross-platform support
- Self-hosted version available
5. ProtonMail
“If it’s Free, you are the product”
Unknown
Over the years, the Google Gmail platform has had significant visual upgrades and changes. However one of the more disappointing changes is the removal of unlimited email storage space and the advertisements showing up directly in your inbox. It has become clear that Google does not protect our personal communications. Instead they are selling our communicate to young and unvetted advertising companies who only care to make money.
Proton is an online services provider based in Switzerland. They offer a full suite of Email, Calendar, VPN, and Storage solutions. They have various plans to fit most any budget. I have chosen to utilize ProtonMail because they are not collecting and selling my private communications. Sure, you might have to spend $4.99 a month on your communication platform, but I think that its our right to have privacy.
6. Security Keys & 2FA
I am a huge fan of my Yubico 5C NFC security keys but I am willing to put up with more hassle for the sake of security than many others. Even if you are not as dedicated to the physical security key route, I beg you to please setup Multi-Factor authentication methods. They significantly reduces your risk of unauthorized accounts access and take-over. I avoid Text Message methods when possible. Phone Number and SIM spoofing is a massive problem on modern cellular networks. You are not even the weakest link when a TELCO is involved.
Conclusion
I generally have a ton more to say about being safe online. Keep applications and devices up to date is a big one. I’m not saying use bleeding-edge technology and deal with adoption issues. Instead I am saying use stable-releases and make sure to apply the latest security releases. Don’t forget to use strong passwords! Portable password managers like Bitwarden exist. Don’t use Chrome everything.
Thanks for reading!
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