4 Chrome Extensions for Safer Browsing


Internet security concerns are at an all time high, and staying safe while using the internet is becoming more and more important.  It’s turning into one of those times where no one is exactly safe, so we have to protect ourselves from the potential for scams.

With security needs rising, developers are answering the calls for increased security, and they are doing it through Google Chrome extensions.  There is a never ending list of extensions available today in Google’s extension library, so which ones should you use to keep you safe?

To answer that question, we put together 4 amazing chrome extensions that let you enjoy safe, secure, and smooth browsing every day.

1. Ghostery

Sometimes you visit a website to look at a product, and as you continue to search around, you start seeing that product everywhere.  Sometimes that’s helpful, but most of the time it’s just annoying.  This annoyance is caused by analytics and data tracking software on the site.

These data tracking softwares help companies understand what items you are interested in, so they can show you relevant content that is aimed at earning your engagement.  An unfortunate side effect of these softwares is reduced site performance, and this is where Ghostery can save the day.

Ghostery let’s you see exactly what is tracking you.  It will also help you pinpoint problem plug-ins on the site that could be preventing your page from responding.  This amazing little tool will let you turn off trackers individually or as a whole.

This means visiting a site you love doesn’t have to stop with a bad update to their software, you can just turn it off and enjoy the site.  Think of it as your point-and-click web page stun gun.

Keep in mind, turning off some trackers is the same as turning off parts of a website for your connection.  If your web page stops working when you turn certain items off, you turned off a program that helps the site function.  You might want to try turning it back on and reloading the page, or finding a place that doesn’t use that software.

2. HTTPS Everywhere

So the protocol for https is a way for the internet to help ensure the security of sites.  It protects certain information from being shared with the end user or the company, and can help you decide whether a website is truly secure or not.  Although there have been huge shifts in domain authority since the update, many sites continue to operate without a secure connection without being malicious.  So, if you happen to use sites like this, you should look into the HTTPS Everywhere extension.

HTTPS Everywhere forces any site you visit to respond in the encrypted and secure markup language, that forces sites to provide an authentic and safe website that won’t cripple your computer.

Basically, it’s add an extra level of security by forcing a non-secure website to interact in a secure language.  Https helps fight against account hijacking and extensive monitoring potentials of the less secure http.

The only issue is its potential to break sites that are http instead of https because of miscommunication with your browser and the server.  If this happens, just turn off HTTPS Everywhere, and try to reload if you know the site is trustworthy.  This is extremely rare, but it can happen.

3. Joinesty

Elevating your email and password security has never looked as good as it does on Joinesty.  This program helps you safeguard your email from pesky promotions, while also making sure you never miss a deal on those items you actually want.

This works through Joinesty’s ability to generate an email that links to your email, so you never have to let those companies know your personal information.  If will also create a password vault that keeps track of each site.

Joinesty is secure password management with a cherry on top.

It doesn’t stop there.  This amazing little program also saves you tons of money when you shop online.  This is done through auto-deal hunting and searches that find you the best coupons or deals on the products you plan to buy.

4. AdBlocker

Oh, AdBlocker.  This is my favorite extension of all time.  It does exactly what it says it does and blocks ads.  There are versions out there that offer all-in-one solutions that blocks ads on websites, social media, and YouTube.  Trust me, they work.

The only issue it has is with some of the top tier websites.  Reason being, they are fighting back with AdBlock detection software.  Although this will stop you from time to time, you can choose to whitelist certain websites, and they tend to give you free trials of their ads-light versions for doing so.  Elsewhere, it will strip all the ads from your screen.  Hate Twitch ads?  If you have an AdBlocker, you know the answer to that question is, “what ads?”


Thanks to Google extensions, customizing your web browsing experience is still completely possible.  All you have to do is find the ones that work best for you, and consolidate your collection so you don’t overload your system with a bogged down browser.

You can search through the extension catalog for hours, so it is recommended to find what you are looking for, and then find the best version of it.  The best part of extensions?  Most of them are free.

What extensions can you not live without?  What is the most important Google Chrome extension for internet security? Share your extension recommendations in the comments below.

Leave a Reply