Browser Hardening
Guide to configuring privacy-respecting browsers like Firefox, LibreWolf, and Brave. Includes fingerprinting protection, extension suggestions, and how to avoid JavaScript-based tracking.
What You'll Learn
Choose the right privacy browser
Configure fingerprinting protection
Install essential privacy extensions
Disable WebRTC and other leaks
Configure about:config settings
Block JavaScript tracking
Use multiple browser profiles
Regular privacy maintenance
Privacy Browser Comparison
Firefox
Open source and customizable
Strong privacy features
Large extension ecosystem
Enhanced Tracking Protection
Brave
Built-in ad blocking
Tor integration
Fingerprinting protection
Chrome extension compatibility
LibreWolf
Firefox fork with privacy focus
Pre-configured privacy settings
Telemetry disabled by default
Hardened security settings
Firefox Privacy Configuration
Essential Firefox Settings
Privacy Settings
Enhanced Tracking Protection: Strict
Block cookies and site data
Clear data when Firefox closes
Do Not Track: Always
Security Settings
Warn about deceptive sites
Block dangerous downloads
Enable HTTPS-Only Mode
Block fingerprinting
Advanced Firefox Configuration
Type about:config in Firefox address bar to access these advanced settings.
Fingerprinting Protection
privacy.resistFingerprinting: true
privacy.firstparty.isolate: true
dom.webnotifications.enabled: false
Telemetry & Tracking
toolkit.telemetry.enabled: false
browser.safebrowsing.enabled: false
network.http.referer.XOriginPolicy: 2
Essential Privacy Extensions
uBlock Origin
Advanced ad and tracker blocker with extensive customization options.
Block ads and trackers
Custom filter lists
Element picker mode
Privacy Badger
Automatically learns to block invisible trackers as you browse.
Machine learning approach
Automatic tracker detection
No filter lists needed
HTTPS Everywhere
Forces encrypted connections to websites when available.
Automatic HTTPS redirect
Rule-based encryption
Blocks mixed content
NoScript
Blocks JavaScript, Java, Flash, and other executable content.
Granular script control
XSS protection
Whitelist trusted sites
Browser Profile Strategy
High Security
Banking and finance
Work-related activities
Personal accounts
General Browsing
News and research
Social media
Entertainment
Anonymous
Tor Browser
Sensitive research
Whistleblowing
Browser Security Checklist
Privacy Settings
Tracking protection enabled
Fingerprinting protection active
WebRTC disabled
Cookies blocked
Extensions
uBlock Origin installed
HTTPS Everywhere active
Privacy Badger configured
NoScript (if needed)
Ready to Harden Your Browser?
Start with Firefox configuration and gradually add extensions. Remember to test websites after making changes to ensure compatibility.