3 Simple Browser Tweaks to Stay Safe Online

Browsers are pretty good at keeping your data under wraps, but there are a few tricks up your sleeve that can make things even tighter. A couple of small adjustments can help you avoid unwanted tracking, protect your account like a vault, and make your browsing feel like you're in a secure fortress. These small tweaks are fast to do and will make your data a lot more private. So, let's check out three simple steps to make things more secure.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Syncing your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history across devices is super convenient. But, there’s a catch—especially if you're storing credit card details or personal info.

If you're going to sync all this data, it's like leaving your door wide open unless you add an extra lock. That’s where two-factor authentication comes in. Even if someone steals your password, they won’t be able to break in without the second code sent to your phone.

With Firefox, it’s easy. Just head to Settings > Sync > Manage account, go to the Security tab, and click to add Two-step authentication. Grab an app like Google Authenticator or Authy to make this magic happen.

Block Third-Party Trackers

Advertisers are always lurking, using cookies and trackers to follow your every move online. It’s like having someone shadow you in the digital world, just to make sure they get the right ads in front of you.

Want to stop them from watching your every click? Tweak your browser’s privacy settings. In Firefox, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Enhanced Tracking Protection, then select Standard for Total Cookie Protection. If you're feeling brave, choose Custom and handpick the trackers you want to block.

Fingerprinting is another sneaky tactic advertisers use, gathering bits and pieces of information—like your browser, screen size, and installed software—to identify you. If you want to fight back against this stealthy approach, the Tor Browser is your best bet, designed to keep you hidden from prying eyes.

Encrypt Your DNS Requests

Every time you visit a website, your browser is like a detective, translating a URL into an IP address through a DNS server. But if this request isn’t encrypted, it’s like sending a postcard with a message everyone can read.

To keep your browsing completely private, flip the switch on DNS over HTTPS. This encrypts your requests, turning that postcard into a sealed envelope.

In Firefox, it’s a breeze. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security, scroll down to DNS over HTTPS, and switch from Default Protection to Increased Protection. This gives you a secure DNS provider like Cloudflare. For the highest level of protection, pick Maximum Protection, which leaves no room for any unencrypted connections to sneak through.