Firefox -- about:config -- security tweaks

[forester]

Over the years, firefox has been a favorite of this user. Until recently. FF has become cumbersome to add the security features wanted while retaining the performance desired.

Tweaking a windoze registry was not a problem for me when I was using the dominant OS at a GIS shop -- I had to in order to get the functionality needed. Neither is tweaking Firefox Configuration to achieve the modicum of security allowed by the software.

First, start Fiurefox offline and, in the address bar, type in

about:config

. Uncheck the box if desired so as not to be asked dumb questions, later (a la M$).

Attached are screenshots of the individual tweaks for FF security accumulated from different sources over the years -- I hope they may prove useful to at least one user viewing this thread.

 

[Tolkem]

This article/post might be useful, too.

How to enhance Firefox security with about:config tweaks - TREND OCEANS

If you are an advanced PC user and have been using Firefox for a long time, you might already be aware of about:config Settings.

trendoceans.com

 

[f33dm3bits]

I'd be curious to know what your results are after setting these settings and doing a coveryourtracks scan?

 

[Tolkem]

I'd be curious to know what your results are after setting these settings and doing a coveryourtracks scan?

Thanks for that link. Here are mine:

Looks good
Browser: Firefox beta 105.0b9

 

[f33dm3bits]

Seems like Brave still has a better result because if your fingerprint is unique it's easier to track you.

 

[forester]

tor

firefox

falkon

As I have firefox since it was netscape navigator, it has a favorable place somewhere in my subconscious.

I go with brave now when possible -- it's quicker than tor.

 

[KGIII]

Some of you may be interested in something I found quite a while ago, but don't actually use:

Firefox Profilemaker

 

[forester]

@KGIII -- a GUI! Makes things more handy, alright.
If it is able to anonymize FF fingerprint, right on! I looked into FF profiles when it was first offered but then forgot about the feature. It apparently has come quite a ways.
Will explore -- thanks, Mod!

 

[forester]

midori

netsurf

 

[Deleted member 137406]

I believe whatever method is used the bad guys are going to find someway to get what they want.

I tried what is known as first line defense in Firefox and it worked so well that I was unable to use any account after logging in.

I'll just keep the faith that the Linux developers will keep us Linux users secured and patched as these vulnerabilities and exploits come about.

 

[craigevil]

Tor browser

 

[craigevil]

Keep in mind that every about:config change and every add-on increases your chance of fingerprinting.

 

[Old Tom Bombadil]

I dunno... maybe depends on the add-on. This is Firefox with NoScript:

 

[Deleted member 137406]

There's always going to be security threats, exploits, vulnerabilities etc nothing is bulletproof.

It appears that Linux may be on its way to becoming as exploitable and vulnerable as other OSs.

OH well if it does it does.

 

[f33dm3bits]

There's always going to be security threats, exploits, vulnerabilities etc nothing is bulletproof.

Methods to identify you to track your browsing activity aren't equal to security threats, security exploits and vulnerabilities but they are privacy threats.

 

[Deleted member 137406]

Methods to identify you to track your browsing activity aren't equal to security threats, security exploits and vulnerabilities but they are privacy threats.

I use "Privacy Badger" although bout to the don't care point about all of this browser looking up my behind seems no matter what ya do someone will create a way around it.

 

[Tolkem]

Check this one out, too:

BrowserLeaks - Web Browser Fingerprinting - Browsing Privacy

BrowserLeaks.com is all about browsing privacy and web browser fingerprinting. Here you will find a gallery of web browser security testing tools that will show you what kind of personal identity data can be leaked while browsing the Internet.

browserleaks.com

 

[KGIII]

@KGIII -- a GUI! Makes things more handy, alright.
If it is able to anonymize FF fingerprint, right on! I looked into FF profiles when it was first offered but then forgot about the feature. It apparently has come quite a ways.
Will explore -- thanks, Mod!

I'm not much of a Firefox user these days, but it has a bunch of privacy, tracking, and security options - among which I noticed the ability to enable 'resist fingerprinting'. So, it seems helpful. It also looks like it'd be faster than going through all the settings/about:config on your own.

 

[Condobloke]

looking up my behind

well.....pull your shorts up then......lol....

 

[forester]

Interestingly, I ran Cover Your Tracks on FF105.0.1 with the Add-Ons Noscript, CAD, PrivacyBadger and the Surfshark VPN Extension twice -- with VPN and without VPN, all other extensions enabled. The results were surprising -- less tracking WITHOUT VPN than when Surfshark was enabled: