In utilizing the Web, it is necessary to employ the use of a Web browser. In this article we address those browsers which we have deemed appropriate for use in hoarding data and staying anonymous and secure whilst doing so. Additionally, the topic of search engines, which are employed within a browser, is also discussed. It should be duly noted that we do not recommend Google products or services of any kind or in any capacity, even for personal use.
The below paragraphs contain links to outside websites and sources of data; we maintain that the individual must verify the links therein.
Web Browsers
- Brave: Brave is, without exception, the most privacy-respecting Web browser that exists as a traditional Web browser. Brave blocks all ads and trackers by default. Many security features exist within Brave, in addition to device syncing, color customization and so on.
- Dissenter: Dissenter is built by the people who created the free speech Twitter clone, Gab. All ads and trackers are blocked. Dissenter includes a very unique feature: every URL possesses a comment section, wherein one can see what people are really saying about a URL, and not what the oft-moderated comment sections feature.
- Tor: Tor is absolutely secure. It relies upon routing internet traffic through multiple servers, such that when your packets reach their destination, its source has been obscured through many dozens of servers. We have an article specifically for using Tor.
- ungoogled chromium, hardening firefox, basilisk? etc.... not done here
Aside from choosing a browser, one should implement the security features of the browser as well. Navigate to the settings menu of the browser and apply similar settings as below:
- Organize and obscure your bookmarks in folders within folders, so that prying eyes within physical proximity cannot determine what it is you browse
- Turn off all trackers (cookies [all], cryptominers, fingerprinters, etc.)
- Set all connections/upgrade connections to use https
- Select "send websites a 'Do Not Track' request"; likely this is ignored, but it cannot hurt
- Disable username and password saving
- Block pop-up windows and warn you when websites try to install add-ons
- Prevent accessibility services from accessing your browser
- In the history tab, set the browser to clear history every time it is closed
- If there is anything about "send data to browser" or "give data feedback" or "send analytics"- disable everything
- Disable payment method checking/saving
- Disable anything to do with Google
- You may additionally look into proprietary ad-blocker software/add-ons, like https://ublockorigin.com/
- You may additionally look into proprietary anti-fingerprinting software/add-ons, like https://www.cydecplatform.com/antifp.html
Search Engines
- DuckDuckGo: DuckDuckGo is described as an ad-free, trackerless search engine.
- Swisscows: Swisscows is advertised as a family-friendly search engine that precludes sexual or pornographic content. The browser is hosted in a datacenter buried beneath a mountain in Switzerland.
- searx: Searx is an open-source search engine that aggregates the results of other search engines. It is privacy-respecting and seems good.