Your browser is your window to the internet — and an entry point for threats. Here's the complete guide to browsing safely every day.

Choosing the right browser

  • Brave: Best choice for privacy. Automatically blocks ads and trackers.
  • Firefox: Excellent with the right extensions. Open source and privacy-respecting.
  • Chrome: Good security but collects a lot of data for Google.
  • Safari: Good choice on Apple with anti-tracking protections enabled.

Essential extensions

  • uBlock Origin: Blocks ads, trackers and malicious scripts
  • HTTPS Everywhere: Forces secure connection when possible
  • Privacy Badger: Blocks invisible trackers
  • Password manager: Bitwarden, 1Password or equivalent

Public Wi-Fi: rules to follow

⚠️ On an unsecured public Wi-Fi network, all your unencrypted communications can be intercepted. Avoid banking and sensitive email access on these networks.
  • Use a VPN (ProtonVPN, Mullvad) on public networks
  • Verify you're on HTTPS (padlock in the address bar)
  • Disable automatic Wi-Fi on your phone

Recognizing a secure site

A secure site displays HTTPS in the URL and a padlock in the address bar. But note: HTTPS doesn't mean the site is legitimate, only that the connection is encrypted.

Private browsing: what it actually does

Private browsing doesn't make you anonymous. It prevents your browser from storing history and cookies — but your ISP, employer and websites you visit can still see you.

💡 For truly private browsing, combine: Brave browser + VPN + DuckDuckGo search engine. This doesn't make you invisible but considerably reduces your digital footprint.