Tag Archives: proxy

Best Chrome Extensions that Protect Your Privacy

From blocking ad trackers and password management to connecting to the Tor network, the right extensions can turn Chrome into a dream machine.

Privacy-related extensions are some of the most popular extension downloads out there. And with good reason. Chrome is the leading browser right now, but in terms of advanced privacy features it leaves much to be desired.

It’s time to stop passively allowing corporations, questionable websites, and shady third parties to feast on all the private data they can grab. Now that you’re on to them, arm yourself with some of the following privacy-enhancing extensions for your browser.

AdBlock

Insights into browsing habits and personal data are hot commodities to advertisers. Data allows the ads you see to be more relevant. So that gas barbeque you showed a fleeting interest in will be showing up again in banner ads – haunting you for days. Changing your privacy settings on the most common offender’s websites gets the job done, but who has the time?

Adblockers are the most popular extensions available and AdBlock continues to be the dominant force in this arena. The big boys in tech have devised methods to force their ads to display even when AdBlock is enabled. However, it’s still a great way to generally declutter your online experience.

LastPass

The days of using the same easy-to-type password for pretty much everything are long gone, but the bad habit remains. According to Exploding Topics, 32% of internet users reuse the same password across 5 to 10 websites and apps.

Nowadays, a strong password that is unique to one particular app or website is a must. It’s your first line of defense, followed by two-factor authentication. The only challenge is remembering all those passwords, and that’s where LastPass comes in.

LastPass’s Chrome extension allows you to access all your passwords in Chrome without the need to switch to a separate app. LastPass has a reputation for being easy to use, but having all your online accounts handy in Chrome takes this to the next level.

Click&Clean

Managing the local privacy of your web browser such as cache, cookies, downloads, and browsing history can be a chore in Chrome. And it takes more time than people realize.

Click&Clean gives you an easy-to-use interface for clearing private data with just one click. The ability to automatically clean your browsing data when you close your browser is particularly useful for people who share a computer with others. It even includes a privacy test to see if there are any holes in your online privacy practices.

Ghostery

Almost every major website out there uses cookies and tracking technology, and it builds a profile of you based on your activity. Worse, there are suspicious third parties with malicious agendas far worse than just attempting to sell you the hottest fragrance.

Ghostery finds every instance of trackers embedded on the sites you visit. It then gives you the ability to tailor how you handle these trackers depending on the level of trust you have for the site in question.

Proxy SwitchyOmega

Proxy SwitchyOmega provides an alternative to digging through the advanced settings section in Chrome, and the chore of filling in and clearing proxies in the config dialog of your OS. This is a powerful, time-saving extension for proxy power users. Just one proxy server often won’t get you very far, especially of the free variety. Enter all your proxy server’s IPs, plus port, and protocol, then switch between them quickly with a mere click.

Kronymous

Formerly called KroTor, this extension allows you to access the Tor network. Tor is one oldest and most trusted names associated with anonymous online browsing.

Kronymous is a more advanced alternative to the easy-to-use Tor Browser that requires no configuration and works out of the box. Tinkerers will love the extensive options it provides, plus the ability to continue using their preferred browser, Chrome.

Cupcake

Cupcake aims to make Tor aka “the onion router” tastier by giving it a pathway into your most used web browser. A plain, happy, or sad cupcake is displayed depending on the status of the proxy, signifying not in use, in use, or disabled respectively. Chrome users who don’t need the extensive options found in Kronymous may prefer this cute, user-friendly approach.

Tor Browser

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best, not to mention the least likely to break. The Tor Browser extension is perfect for Chrome users who occasionally want to switch to true anonymity with Tor Browser when viewing sensitive content.

GoodExtensions has made the power of Tor available to Chrome users by bundling everything that is needed in one download without the need to configure anything. The only catch is this isn’t an official extension published by the team at the Tor Project. This is likely because the Tor Project wants you to use their browser also called Tor Browser rather than a Chrome extension.

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Graphic: Sean MacEntee

Tor, VPN or Proxy – Which is Right for You?

Records of an average person’s browsing history may not be worth much, but when you add every citizen of the U.S. to the equation, the value becomes millions of dollars.

ISPs want your personal data so they can sell it to the highest bidder or find ways to upsell you. Advertisers and titans of Web search want to track your online activity so they can display products you’re most likely to be interested in. Finally, governments want access to your online activities, in case they find a reason to monitor them.

These players are becoming a bigger threat to your online privacy by the day, and it’s about time you stood up to this menace. It starts by protecting yourself, namely with Tor, a VPN, or a proxy.

There’s no perfect solution, however, it should be said they’re not all in the same league either. So, let’s look at the pros and cons of each of these technologies.

Tor

What is it?

Known as “the onion router,” Tor is free software that allows you to join their anonymity service. Tor directs traffic through a network of thousands of relays run by volunteers around the world. It makes it very difficult if not impossible for someone to monitor your online activity, and also prevents site owners from seeing your true location.

Over the years, Tor Browser has become the main focus of the Tor Project. It integrates Tor’s technology with a Web browser, making it straightforward to use. Tor Browser requires no setup. However, it won’t hide your activities in other apps such as email, FTP, torrent client, etc.

Only accomplished tech aficionados should tackle their Expert Bundle which is the standalone flavor of Tor. It allows you to manually configure programs to work with it.

Pros

  • Not only is Tor free software, but it’s also a free service which is amazing.
  • Tor Browser is easy to use.
  • Tor Expert bundle allows you to hide your IP address on apps beyond your web browser.

Cons

  • In terms of speed, expect varying degrees of slow. Considering all your browsing data is bouncing around various relays worldwide, it’s understandable why. The other reason is advancements in the network and software are dependent on altruistic contributions, which are short in supply.
  • Since launching in 2002 it has created a reputation for being a favored tool of cyber criminals, spammers, and dissidents. Attempts to hide yourself with it can backfire as Tor users are viewed with suspicion. It can be a red flag for services, businesses, or organizations that can detect its use.

Visit the Tor Project site.

VPN

What is it?

A VPN extends a private network across a public network. It acts as a fast, secure bridge between your computer and the internet, encrypting your data as you browse the web.

With a VPN enabled, websites you visit and prying eyes online can’t see your real IP address. Instead, they’ll see the IP associated with the VPN service. VPNs also allow you to bypass geographic restrictions by allowing you to assume an IP associated with a different country.

VPN access is a service, and just like internet access, you’ll be billed monthly to use it.

Pros

  • Paid service so servers are robust, reliable, and fast.
  • Quality VPN services have huge networks of servers located around the world.
  • Used for professional applications by IT professionals. VPN users are generally granted more trust than Tor or proxy users.
  • Services offer extensive software for use with any OS (desktop or mobile) and with any application.

Cons

  • You need to subscribe to a service with an associated monthly fee.
  • Some companies block their users from accessing services with a VPN.
  • Premium VPNs are generally fast, but using a VPN might cause weaker performance in highly demanding applications such as online gaming.

View a comparison of top VPNs.

Proxy

What is it?

Before VPNs exploded in popularity, proxy servers, and web proxies were the go-to method for hiding your identity. Similar to a VPN a proxy is a gateway between your home network and a public network such as the Internet.

When viewing lists of proxy servers published online, you’ll come across three types: anonymous, elite, and transparent. Basically, the slower the proxy type, the more secure the connection. So transparent is the fastest, and the least secure. Anonymous is in the middle, and elite is the most secure. An elite proxy even tries to hide the fact you’re using a proxy, but it’s the slowest type.

Unlike VPNs which allow you to set up one centralized app that will anonymize all your activity no matter which application you’re using; proxies require extensive configuration. You’ll need to learn the the proxy options well in each app as you’ll likely need to change servers often in search of a solution with decent speeds.

Many companies see proxies as legacy technology and have removed its support from their software to focus on VPN features.

Pros

  • Both free and paid proxies are available although most will want a VPN if they choose to pay.
  • Free proxy lists are plentiful, many of which are checked continuously to ensure the list is fresh and that the proxies are indeed online.

Cons

  • Free proxy servers are run by individuals, not companies that operate with at least some ethical standards.
  • Free proxies are used and abused by spammers and malicious users so you may find the proxy server IP is banned by the site you wish to use.
  • Each app is configured separately with proxies. This can be time-consuming and frustrating due to the likely need to change your proxy server often.

View a free proxy list.

The Final Verdict

Free proxies and Tor are fine for dabblers. However, if you wish to hide your identity on an ongoing basis, you’ll probably lose patience with the unreliability, slow speeds, or hoop-jumping (in the case of proxies) associated with these methods.

The top VPN services recommended here on LetMeBy are fast, trustworthy, and generally the best option for nearly everyone. The only downside is you’ll need to pay for it, but since most VPNs are so fairly priced, this isn’t much of a drawback.

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Photo: Ed Ivanushkin

How to Change Proxy Settings in Firefox

Is an ISP or institution blocking you from viewing online content? Yes, it’s frustrating. Thankfully you’re clever enough to know about proxies. The problem can be easily avoided by using a proxy server with your browser.

Firefox has basic proxy capabilities built right in. In the “Connection Settings” menu you can set up Firefox to auto-detect proxy settings used by your network, use system settings, or manually enter an IP address or domain name. Supported proxy server types include HTTP, HTTPS (SSL), and SOCKS (v4 or v5).

We’ll be looking at using both the automatic and manual options here.

Let’s get to the step-by-step instructions, shall we?

Step 1

Launch Firefox by double-clicking the Firefox icon on your desktop or by selecting it from the Start menu in Windows.

Step 2

At the top-right of the Firefox window, you’ll see a hamburger icon. It looks like three dashes stacked on top of each other. Click the hamburger icon and then select “Options” from the dropdown menu.

Step 3

On the left, click on “General.” There’s a cog icon next to it.

Step 4

Scroll all the way to the bottom. Here you’ll see “Network Settings.” Click on the “Settings” button next to it.

Step 5

You’ve arrived at your destination. The “Connection Settings” window allows you to fully configure your proxy in Firefox.

Auto-detect Route

If you’re already using a proxy with your network or device you can auto-detect your proxy settings. Select the appropriate radio button and you’re done!

Manual Route

If you want to set up your proxy in Firefox only, click on the radio button next to “Manual proxy configuration.” The text boxes below will now become active, allowing you to enter a proxy server IP address or domain name.

Step 6

Copy and paste the server IP address or domain into the appropriate box. If you don’t know which type to choose start with HTTPS Proxy first as it’s commonly used and it’s secure.

Don’t assume you have selected the wrong type if it doesn’t work. Dead proxy servers are about as common as brown leaves on an autumn day.

Proxy Lists

Looking for free proxy servers to test? Try the lists on one of the sites below.

A Few Tips for Newcomers

There are slews of proxy sites popping up at the time. Annoyingly, many of the servers on free proxy lists are either painfully slow or don’t work. To make matters worse, public lists are abused by spammers, so these IP addresses could be already banned on the site you’re trying to view.

If you’re having trouble finding fresh proxies, consider using a Firefox add-on like FoxyProxy or Tor. Both automatically search for working proxies and offer more robust options than the native menus in Firefox. These solutions can also slow your browsing down to a crawl, so keep in mind that fast proxy servers aren’t free.

For best results, subscribe to a VPN service. Check out LetMeBy’s list of the top VPNs and choose from the best of the best.

Note on Firefox Versions

This guide is confirmed to work with Firefox 115.0. Mozilla typically doesn’t change the user interface substantially over time, so this method will likely be the ticket for a long while.

Security Concerns

Never use a proxy server with a machine that doesn’t have virus software installed. Protect yourself and your data by downloading something like AVG Free or Trend Micro Internet Security. Be sure to have the latest virus definitions as well.