For most of us, browsers are the primary gateway to the internet. Increasingly, work-related tasks-collaboration with colleagues, document editing, online banking, photo and video editing-aren't done in standalone apps anymore, but inside a browser tab. And often, that's not just more convenient but safer. Every service we use in the browser is one less application we need to search for, install, configure, and keep updated.

Choosing the right browser, properly configuring it, and securing it are essential steps to working effectively and safely in the digital environment.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Popular Browsers

Somewhat paradoxically, the most widely used browsers-Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox-also rank among the most secure. Large development teams, frequent updates, and ongoing work to detect and patch vulnerabilities give them a strong "digital immune system" against most attacks. Like any app, though, a browser's security depends critically on timely updates.

Google Chrome is the most popular browser worldwide, but also one of the most aggressive when it comes to data collection. Chrome closely tracks user behavior, syncing browsing history, bookmarks, passwords, and other data to your Google Account. This creates a centralized user profile that can be used for targeted ads and other commercial purposes.

Mozilla Firefox is a more privacy-conscious alternative to Chrome. It offers flexible privacy controls, is open-source, and isn't owned by a major tech corporation. However, telemetry is enabled by default and must be manually disabled. Firefox also supports DRM and other features that may conflict with principles of digital freedom.

LibreWolf is an independent fork of Firefox focused on maximum privacy and security. Telemetry, advertising, DRM, and other unwanted features are completely disabled. LibreWolf includes built-in ad-blocking (uBlock Origin), uses privacy-respecting search engines (DuckDuckGo, Searx, Qwant), and enforces strict settings to protect against tracking and fingerprinting. It doesn't support automatic updates, but stays in sync with the latest stable Firefox release. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux-including portable versions.

Brave is a Chromium-based browser that blocks ads and trackers by default. It includes built-in support for HTTPS Everywhere, fingerprinting protection, private search (Brave Search), and even a reward system (BAT) for viewing privacy-friendly ads. Brave doesn't store your search history or share data with third parties, and it gives users control over which sites can access sensitive data. It's available across major platforms, including mobile devices.

Incognito Mode or Private Tabs

Most modern browsers offer incognito or private mode, which is occasionally useful for work. Despite its name, this mode does not provide true anonymity online-your internet service provider or other third parties may still be able to track the sites you visit. It's helpful when accessing your accounts from a shared or public device: once you close the tab, no active session remains. Private mode does not save your browsing history, cookies, or form data.

Extensions

Browser extensions are small add-ons that expand functionality-for example, ad-blockers, VPNs, or translation tools. You can find them in official extension stores:

Chrome → Chrome Web Store
Firefox → Firefox Add-ons
Brave → Uses extensions from the Chrome Web Store (fully compatible)
LibreWolf → Uses Firefox Add-ons (fully compatible)

While most mainstream extensions are safe, others-especially from unknown developers-may collect excessive data or contain malicious code. Even ad-blockers can pose a risk if not properly vetted. Some are removed from stores, but don't rely on that alone as protection.

Recommended privacy extensions:

uBlock Origin Lite - developed by Raymond Hill, it efficiently blocks ads and malicious content, including threats spread through advertising networks.
Privacy Badger - from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), this extension automatically blocks trackers that monitor you without consent. It also analyzes site behavior and prevents third-party data sharing.

How to Stay Safe from Malicious Extensions

Only install extensions from official stores.
Check the developer's reputation.
Review requested permissions-too many is a red flag.
Regularly review your installed extensions and remove anything you no longer use.

Permission Management

Chrome lets users fine-tune access to the camera, microphone, location, notifications, JavaScript, cookies, and more. Permissions can be set globally or per site. Chrome also auto-revokes permissions from inactive sites. Dangerous content is blocked by default, though you can override this manually.

Firefox offers granular controls for site-specific permissions: camera, microphone, location, notifications, cookies, autoplay media, pop-ups, and more. Users can view and edit these via the Page Info window. Advanced settings via about:config let you restrict access to unusual ports and tweak other security parameters.

Brave automatically blocks trackers, ads, and harmful scripts. Users can manage permissions for camera, microphone, location, cookies, and JavaScript via the privacy settings. Brave's built-in Shields tool allows toggling protection per site. For restricted content, you can temporarily lower Shields or use a private window with Tor.

LibreWolf is built with privacy-first defaults-telemetry, DRM, WebGL, geolocation, and autofill are disabled out of the box. Access to camera, microphone, notifications, and other features can be manually adjusted in settings or via about:config. Device sync is disabled by design. Developers recommend minimizing permissions and keeping extensions lean to reduce tracking risks.

Passwords and Autofill

Chrome includes a built-in password manager that syncs with your Google Account. Autofill works for passwords, addresses, and payment info. Passwords are stored in the Google cloud and can be viewed at passwords.google.com. It's convenient but less private, as your data passes through Google's infrastructure.

Firefox also has a built-in manager. Passwords are stored locally or synced via Firefox Account using Firefox Sync. It supports form autofill for logins and passwords, and allows setting a master password for extra protection. It also supports Passkeys-a modern, more secure authentication method.

Brave, as a Chromium-based browser, has a local password manager and autofill for logins, addresses, and payments. Sync is available via Brave Sync. No data is shared with third parties, and Chrome-compatible password managers can be used as extensions.

LibreWolf uses Firefox's password manager but with privacy-focused defaults. Autofill is disabled by default to minimize risks. Firefox Sync is not supported-this is an intentional design choice favoring autonomy. Passwords are stored locally, and external managers like Bitwarden or KeePassXC are recommended.

Additional Notes:

Chrome: Most convenient for Google ecosystem users, but offers limited privacy.
Firefox: Highly customizable, supports master password protection.
Brave: Autofill works like Chrome's but with tighter privacy controls.
LibreWolf: Designed for privacy-autofill can be manually enabled if needed.

Conclusion

Web browsers have become indispensable tools for modern digital work, yet their convenience often comes at the cost of privacy. Choosing the right browser is not merely a matter of user interface-it's about how your data is handled, what's collected, and who has access to it.

While Chrome and Firefox remain leaders in functionality and security, their default settings often prioritize data collection over privacy. Alternatives like LibreWolf and Brave offer strong protection by default, with fewer assumptions about your consent to tracking, telemetry, or content profiling.

Ultimately, browser safety doesn't come down to one setting or extension-it's the result of a series of informed decisions: the browser you choose, the permissions you grant, the extensions you install, and how you manage your credentials and online behavior.

In authoritarian environments or surveillance-heavy contexts, these considerations are not just technical-they're personal and political. Practicing browser hygiene is part of protecting your rights, your identity, and your freedom to communicate without interference.