Quickly add sites to either white or black list from the options menu

Five apps

1. NoScript Security Suite

NoScriptrnSecurity Suite is one of the best ways to prevent JavaScript, Java, Flash,rnSilverlight, and other executable content from running within non-trustedrndomains. With this add-on you can dictate the domains which are allowed to runrnexecutable content. This add-on goes a long way to prevent cross-site scriptingrnattacks, cross-zone DNS rebinding, router hacking, and Clickjacking. Domainsrncan be blocked permanently or on a temporary basis (Figure A).

Credit: Image by JackrnWallen for TechRepublic

Plenty of options available in NoScript

NoScript can whitelistrnor blacklist a domain for easy configuration and control. Once installed, yournwill also find a number of ads get caught up in the blocking u2013 making your browsingrnfaster and more secure. NoScript has plenty of options available, ranging fromrnthe simple to complex (Figure B).

Credit: Image by JackrnWallen for TechRepublic

Setting up your account for LastPass

2. LastPass Password Manager

LastPassrnPassword Manager is for anyone who needs to be able to keep the only kindrnof truly secure passwords u2013 those you cannot remember. For that type ofrnpassword, you need a password manager. But why bother installing yet anotherrntool to have to open from your Dash, Start Menu, or Tiles? Instead, addrnLastPass Password Manager and gain access to that ever-burgeoning list ofrnpasswords. You do have to create an account with LastPass. During the setup ofrnLastPass, you set up your account (make sure you use a strong password here u2013 FigurernC) and disable Firefox’s insecure password manager.

Credit: Image by JackrnWallen for TechRepublic

Set up a profile which will be used when filling in forms

During the setup ofrnLastPass, you can even set up a profile which will be used when filling inrnforms (Figure D) u2013 which is much more secure than having the browserrnretain your form information.

Credit: Image by JackrnWallen for TechRepublic

Opting into the SSL Observatory

3. HTTPS Everywhere

HTTPS Everywherernis a means to force your browser to use HTTPS with all sites that supportrnsecure HTTP. Some users don’t realize the difference between HTTP and HTTPS;rnincluding this extension on your end-users browser will ensure you do not havernto concern yourself with educating them on the difference or how to point theirrnbrowsers to the secure version of a site. You will notice the included linkrndoes not direct to the Firefox Extension page, but to the www.eff.org page. This was due to a Firefoxrnpolicy. Hopefully the extension will find its way back to the Extension pagernsoon. Upon reboot (after installation), you will be prompted to opt into thernSSL Observatory (Figure E).

Credit: Image by JackrnWallen for TechRepublic

Enabling and disabling rules with HTTPS Everywhere

Once installed, you will find a menu to the right of thernaddress bar, where you can gain quick access to the HTTPS Everywhere features.rnOne of the more important features is the Enable/Disable Rules (Figure F).

You can enable/disable HTTPS Everywhere for all includedrnsites in the Rules window.

Credit: Image by JackrnWallen for TechRepublic

Blocking malware and removing social networking buttons with Adblock Plus

4. AdBlock Plus

AdBlockrnPlus is one of the first add-ons you should include with Firefox. If yournfind advertising slows down your browsing, it’s possible that reduction inrnspeed is caused by advertising. Or, if you’re trying to find that tool torninstall, but get confused by the Download buttons created by advertisements, it’srntime to take control. To curtail this behavior, install AdBlock Plus. With thisrnadd-on you can blacklist and whitelist specific advertisers. This, of course,rnis a tricky proposition, as many of the sites you visit are able to offer yournfree content thanks to the ads on the site. So take that into considerationrnwhen you begin blacklisting sites. It is also possible to block known malwarerndomains (Figure G).

Credit: Image by JackrnWallen for TechRepublic

Just remember to keep the Allow some non-intrusive advertising box checked

From within the add-onrnpreferences, you can easily add filter subscriptions (Figure H).

Credit: Image by JackrnWallen for TechRepublic

The disconnect tracking window

5. Disconnect

Disconnectrnprevents tracking by 2,000+ third-party sites. With this easy add-on you canrnstop ad trackers, social widgets, and most other tracking tools before theyrnload. This will not only speed up your browsing, it will also effectivelyrnprevent those endless attempts at tracking everything you do on the web. As yournuse your “Disconnected” browser, you will get immediate feedback onrnwhat is trying to track you (Figure I).

Credit: Image by JackrnWallen for TechRepublic

Results of Disconnect blocking tracking elements

After visiting a single page (clicked from within Facebook),rnDisconnect caught 20 attempts at tracking and sped up the page load by 6% (FigurernJ).

Bottom line

If you’re looking to gain an edge on security within yourrnFirefox browser, add one or more of these add-ons and see if you’re not happierrnwith the level of gained security. Each of these offers a unique addition tornthe open source browser, extending the capabilities and security to a morernacceptable level.

Credit: Image by JackrnWallen for TechRepublic