Browsing with Privacy and Security

Protecting our personal information while surfing the web isn’t optional, it’s essential. And one of the key tools to achieve this is a secure and reliable browser.

Unfortunately, many of the most popular browsers, like Google Chrome, have become massive data-collection machines for advertising companies. When we use these browsers, a vast amount of private information is collected: from our browsing history and cookies to our login credentials and autofill details like names, addresses, and phone numbers.

And while it might be tempting to rely on “incognito” or “private” mode, let’s not kid ourselves: our IP address remains visible, and tracking entities still have a free pass.

So, how do we truly protect our privacy while browsing?

Here’s the solution I recommend: combine a secure browser with a good VPN.

While the browser protects against tracking and data collection, the VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address, ensuring your identity and location remain private.

Secure browsers I recommend:

1. Brave

  • Based on Chromium, this browser prioritizes privacy right out of the box. [https://brave.com]
  • It includes a built-in ad blocker and fingerprinting protection.
  • Offers access to numerous add-ons and extensions.

2. Firefox

  • Super versatile and customizable to enhance its security. [https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/]
  • While its default settings aren’t the most private, you can tweak it to make it a very robust browser.

3. Tor

  • Based on Firefox, this browser uses the Tor network to guarantee anonymity. [https://www.torproject.org/]
  • Protects against fingerprinting right from the start.
  • It’s a great option for maximum privacy, though it can be slow due to multi-node routing.

4. DuckDuckGo

  • Designed with privacy in mind, it’s available for macOS, iOS, and Android. [https://duckduckgo.com/app]
  • Includes tracker protection, automatic encryption updates, and simple options to clear data.

5. Ungoogled Chromium

6. LibreWolf

  • A Firefox fork focused on privacy, security, and freedom. [https://librewolf.net/]
  • Enhances protection against tracking and fingerprinting.
  • Disables telemetry and data collection, and removes DRM-related features.

7. Mullvad Browser

  • A collaboration between Mullvad VPN and the Tor Project. [https://mullvad.net/en/browser/]
  • Combines privacy features from the Tor Browser, such as tracker blocking and fingerprinting protection.
  • Designed to work seamlessly with a quality VPN instead of relying on the Tor network.

Additional tips for safer browsing:

1. Compartmentalize your browsers Divide your online activities among different browsers. For example:

  • One exclusively for accessing sensitive accounts like banks or emails.
  • Another for general browsing.
  • And a third configured for maximum privacy for critical activities.

2. Use a VPN A virtual private network encrypts all your traffic and hides your IP, offering anonymity and extra protection against potential attackers.

A VPN securely encrypts your internet traffic, preventing your ISP from seeing what you do online.

While your ISP might notice encrypted data, it won’t be able to identify your actual activities.

When you connect to a VPN server, its IP address and location replace your real ones, allowing you to appear as though you’re browsing from anywhere in the world.

3. Install privacy extensions

Here are some tools I always recommend:

  • uBlock Origin: To block ads and trackers.
  • Cookie AutoDelete: Automatically removes unnecessary cookies.
  • NoScript: Lets you control which scripts can run on websites.

In the end, privacy isn’t just about enabling “private” mode in your browser. It’s about making conscious choices and adopting tools that truly protect our information. With a little effort and the right tools, safe and private browsing in 2025 isn’t just possible—it’s accessible to everyone.

Souce: https://cyberinsider.com/