Firefox is currently the most popular browser worldwide (installed by choice, not by being the default browser; in that regard, Internet Explorer still wins). It is used by more than 30 million people, most of them from the US, and it has over 5000 great and useful add-ons in the database.
This collection of constantly updated extensions is what keeps Firefox at the top spot. No other browser has such an amazing database of add-ons (though Chrome is slowly catching up). Since it was launched, technologies have changed and currently, Firefox is not the fastest browser, but we all hope that version 3.7 or 4.0 will change that.
Nevertheless, Mozilla’s Firefox is the most stable, reliable and secure browser that also respects users privacy and has done everything to ensure that any private information is stored away from any prying eyes and is shared only when the user wants it.
Let’s see what security and privacy features set Firefox apart from the other browsers on the market.
Pop up blocker. Being a modern browser, Firefox has an integrated pop up blocker, of course. It is very effective against any types of pop ups, except those initiated by user clicks and written in Javascript, but those can be also easily blocked by using a third party extension like Noscript.
Anti-phishing filter. Another must have of today’s web browsers. Firefox uses a number of online anti-phishing filters that are constantly updated, so all the malicious sites (even the most recent ones) will be there and the browser will not allow you to visit it unless you explicitly tell it to (after reading a list of repercussions caused by said sites).
Antivirus integration. Like any other self-respecting browser and program in general, Firefox has support for integration with various related software, of which antiviruses are arguably the most important. Every file you download is scanned for viruses and Trojans before it’s saved and when you try to open it.
Flash blocker. The Flash blocker is not integrated into Firefox by default (although it should be), but it can be easily installed using an add-on. The most popular one is AdBlock. It not only blocks any flash elements (including annoying animations and sounds; I really hate the latter on a site), but also stops ads from being displayed. The database of Flash and ad codes is constantly updated with the latest developments, so you’re always protected. You can disable the blocker for particular elements or for entire sites that you trust, which is very convenient (other browsers allow you only a global disable or enable of Flash components).
Per-site Javascript blocking. Arguably the most powerful feature for security and privacy in today’s Internet, a Javascript blocker is, most of the times, everything you need to be sure you never get a virus or Trojan from a web site again. The blocker is a third party add-on (I’m telling you these are very important for a browser) called NoScript (there are others, but they’re less powerful). Not only it allows you to disable or enable Javascript code for separate sites, but it also prevents and unauthorized Cross-Site Script executions, the number one way of Trojan injection. With Firefox and Noscript, you can be sure you won’t get any unwanted program or be tracked on a site without your permission ever again.
Private browsing mode. This mode is a must nowadays, but I rarely use it. That doesn’t mean it’s not good. It’s excellent when you need to visit certain sites and you don’t want to leave any traces. The Private mode leaves no cookies, history or downloads after you closed the window.
AES, 256 bit encryption and SHA-1 hashing by default. Unlike other browsers like Safari and Opera, Firefox has adopted the latest encryption and hashing protocols. AES, 256 bit SSL and SHA-1 are all set to be the default on a new installation of Firefox. By comparison, the latest version of Safari still uses 128 bit encryption, the older MD5 instead of SHA-1 and it doesn’t use AES (which stands for Advanced Encryption Standard) at all.
Fast bugs and security holes patching. Due to it being open source, Firefox has all of its bugs and security holes reported and patched within hours or maximum days. That is compared to the days, weeks or even months of wait before a security hole is patched in Opera or Internet Explorer.
A lot of security and privacy extensions. And of course, if you’re still not satisfied with the level of security and privacy that Firefox and the add-ons mentioned above offer, you can always find more tools for these purposes in Mozilla’s add-ons database. You can have a very secure, fully encrypted, portable browser that doesn’t leave any traces ready in a matter of hours if not minutes.
There are a lot of other reasons why Firefox is a very secure and privacy protective browser and why you should choose to use it, but the above ones are the most important and sum it up pretty well. Give Firefox a try – you’ll most likely never go back.
