From the security and privacy point of view, I am sick of targeted ads.
How to configure my browser/PC in order to reduce browser fingerprinting and tracking?
- Thread starter TedCruz
- Start date
Please provide comments and solutions that are helpful to the author of this topic.
- Aug 25, 2022
- 141
I'm using NextDNS using DoH protocol in my browser settings. Both Firefox and Chromium-based browsers allow you to use secure DNS. You can also use NextDNS system-wide if you install their Windows client.
As far as I know, the more changes you make in browser settings (including enabling and disabling some flags) can make you more unique to track.
I'm not using any browser extentions except for MBBG.
As far as I know, the more changes you make in browser settings (including enabling and disabling some flags) can make you more unique to track.
I'm not using any browser extentions except for MBBG.
- Feb 26, 2021
- 806
There are other ways to use NextDNS system-wide, such as using YogaDNS or DoH via Windows 11. If you are using Firefox, enable ResistFingerprinting. That'll help. If you are using Chrom(ium), you can install the extension jshelter to prevent fingerprinting. But @Mystic is right, more addons does't mean better. In fact it can be worse because it increases your attack service. Only install ones you absolutely need. Less is better.
That being said, I don't know if there's a better privacy related extension than uBlockOrigin. Using its medium mode, you can block entire domains from making a connection. With a little training it'll help a lot.
That being said, I don't know if there's a better privacy related extension than uBlockOrigin. Using its medium mode, you can block entire domains from making a connection. With a little training it'll help a lot.
Last edited:
Is there a way to block what flags and extensions the browser is using or spoof that info?
- Aug 25, 2022
- 141
- Mar 29, 2018
- 7,100
I believe this type of tracking is a variable of fingerprinting, which can be countered to some degree by 'privacy.resist.fingerprinting' flag or Canvas Blocker extension in Firefox. JShelter extension is available for both chromium and Firefox browsers. I can't say they address these particular variables. Maybe others know more.
I have bought a lifetime license to Adguard and I'm using it in conjunction with either NextDNS or ControlD and it is doing a fantastic job.
- May 27, 2013
- 284
Browser fingerprinting is a big subject. It is not just about blocking ads/trackers. It's about you not leaving a trace on the net to be easily targeted.
It involves your hardware, browser and OS as well like what screen size, what OS, your mouse movement, what GPU, how many cores your CPU has etc. Others include what extensions you use, hiding/rotating your IP address, change in fingerprint each time you visit a new website, the uniqueness of your browser, browser compartmentalization, blocking/cleaning up your cookies, cleaning cache/history, blocking fonts and glyphs, minimizing your OS/browser from collecting your data, preventing data exfiltration (aka data theft), use of VM etc
Some software/extensions are good for
1) blocking ads/trackers/unsafe sites like uBO, Emsisoft Browser Security, Adguard etc
2) spoofing your hardware info like Scriptsafe, Trace etc
3) VPN for hiding/rotating your IP address
4) spoofing keyboard strokes like Keyboard Privacy extension
5) hardening your OS/browser to minimize data collection
It involves your hardware, browser and OS as well like what screen size, what OS, your mouse movement, what GPU, how many cores your CPU has etc. Others include what extensions you use, hiding/rotating your IP address, change in fingerprint each time you visit a new website, the uniqueness of your browser, browser compartmentalization, blocking/cleaning up your cookies, cleaning cache/history, blocking fonts and glyphs, minimizing your OS/browser from collecting your data, preventing data exfiltration (aka data theft), use of VM etc
Some software/extensions are good for
1) blocking ads/trackers/unsafe sites like uBO, Emsisoft Browser Security, Adguard etc
2) spoofing your hardware info like Scriptsafe, Trace etc
3) VPN for hiding/rotating your IP address
4) spoofing keyboard strokes like Keyboard Privacy extension
5) hardening your OS/browser to minimize data collection
Last edited:
- Feb 25, 2017
- 2,492
I can't add much more to what @oldschool and @HarborFront said. But you should know that it doesn't really help to randomly change your IP adress when your browser is set to another language than the language of the country where your IP adress is coming from or when your browser is set to a completely different time-zone than the country of the IP adress you are connected to for example. You need to align all the information correctly or you will be basically more unique than before. So fingerprinting is a very complex topic that can't be solved by installing a few extensions. I personally don't really think much of privacy extensions, but some time ago I checked out the JShelter and Windscribe extension and I think both of them do quite a good job at covering a few fingerprinting techniques.
Last edited:
- Mar 9, 2014
- 540
I use Multi-Account Containers in Firefox and set ETP to strict. Then I set various websites to load in particular containers, and if needed use throwaway or fake accounts. Beyond that, I use an adblocker usually in default mode (uBlock Origin is free; Adguard for desktop has lifetime, multi-device promos and can block ads in several apps, like Ferdium).
If something gets broken in a site, I have to turn off ETP and/or disable something (usually a list or an element blocked) for that site.
If something gets broken in a site, I have to turn off ETP and/or disable something (usually a list or an element blocked) for that site.
- Feb 26, 2021
- 806
Oh absolutely! I think I paid $20 for a lifetime AdGuard for Windows four licenses, and I'm so glad I did. With manifest v3 it's a good thing to have just in case.
Last edited:
I paid a bit more and for 3 licenses, but it is well worth the price.
- Jun 7, 2022
- 149
And don't get too paranoid. It's good to have a reasonable digital hygiene, security and privacy practices, but don't over do it.
The more software, tweaks, add-ons you have the greater chance of something to break will be.
There's only so much we can do about this matter.
The more software, tweaks, add-ons you have the greater chance of something to break will be.
There's only so much we can do about this matter.
You mean you still see ads? Or about the tracking that's happening once you use the internet?
Firefox with multicontainer addon, strict blocking and adguard desktop (with activated DNS) and I see no targeted ads since I see nearly no ads at all. The more shady sites get the higher the chance that I would see ads (atleast for my surfing habbits). Are they still tracking me? Probably but I see (nearly) no ads which is my goal since I can never avoid all the tracking options (HarborFront mentioned quite a lot).
Thank you all.
Is script safe and Trace an extension for the browser? I want to make sure I download the correct thing vs an app.
- Feb 26, 2021
- 806
Yes, they are both extensions. But ScriptSafe hasn't been updated since 2017. Are you using Firefox or Chrome-based?
- Feb 25, 2017
- 2,492
And Trace isn't receiving new updates too. Not the best choice of extensions tbh. @TedCruz
- Feb 26, 2021
- 806
So basically we as a whole have given up on privacy and are now just willing to take the fact that everyone knows everything about our pattern of life?
Like how would I apply cellphone masking/fingerprinting to that equation? How to block or randomize that? I use Adguard mobile but based on what I am seeing in terms of targeted content it's not enough.
Similar threads
