18 extensions for safe and private surfing in Chrome

Ad blockers

1. AdBlock Plus

This extension should be installed first in Chrome, and hardly anyone has not heard of it. AdBlock Plus blocks ads, banners, pop-ups, advertisements and other junk on web pages. In addition, this extension warns you against visiting known domains containing malware and also disables some tracking scripts.

AdBlock Plus is pretty configurable. You can create black and white lists to block or, conversely, allow the display of elements of web pages. You can block individual elements by simply pointing at them with the mouse. Or you can just install AdBlock Plus and forget about it: it will handle ads without anyone's help.

By the way, here are additional AdBlock Plus lists for those looking to get rid of YouTube and Facebook ads. The main thing is not to forget to add Lifehacker to the exceptions.

2.uBlock Origin

An alternative to AdBlock Plus, almost the same functional, but more flexible. This extension is also a little more difficult to learn for a novice user.

If you want an ad blocker to do everything for you, install AdBlock Plus. If you want to control everything yourself, choose uBlock Original. A large number of optional filters for this extension can be found here.

3. ScriptSafe

ScriptSafe disables all scripts from running on web pages: Java, JavaScript, Flash, and so on. It is a powerful and flexible tool for the advanced user. But keep in mind, ScriptSafe is very aggressive and can break the markup on many sites if not configured properly.

Anti-tracking tools

4. Ghostery

Ghostery blocks sites from tracking cookies and scripts. When you click on the extension's button, Ghostery will display what exactly it has blocked, so you can choose which types of tracking to block and which you can leave. The Ghostery Enhanced Anti Tracking feature, according to the developers, anonymizes your data to better protect your privacy.

5. Disconnect Private Browsing

Another privacy-enhancing extension. Disconnect lets you block website tools that track you, stops Facebook, Google, Twitter, and more from collecting your data.

In addition, the extension protects you from malware and infected resources. Disconnect Private Browsing has a Secure Wi-Fi feature that can protect your home network.

6. Privacy Badger

A similar extension for automatically protecting your browser from trackers that load invisibly when you browse the web. You can easily configure the auto-blocking options using the extension button on the browser bar.

Password managers

7. LastPass

An extension of the popular LastPass password storage service. Knows how to generate passwords resistant to cracking and automatically enter them if necessary.

LastPass: Free Password Manager Download »

8. CKP

An alternative to chromeIPass that doesn't need the KeePass client installed. It can pick up passwords both from the local database and from Dropbox or Google Drive.

CKP - KeePass integration for Chrome ™ Website

9. Blur

An analogue of LastPass. In addition to generating passwords, it can be used to mask your email addresses to prevent spam and increase privacy.

Blur abine.com

VPN extensions

10. Hideman

Hideman connects your Chrome to a VPN with 256-bit encryption. In addition to providing privacy, the extension can also be used to combat censorship. You can choose from several free VPN servers located in different countries.

11. ZenMate VPN

Another extension for encrypting traffic via VPN with a user-friendly interface and a good set of functions. Provides private and anonymous web surfing and blocking bypass.

VPN Free ZenMate - Free VPN Chrome zenmate.com

12. TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a very popular VPN service. With this extension, you will not only be able to bypass locks, but also protect your data from leaks: for example, on a public Wi-Fi network.

TunnelBear VPN tunnelbear.com

Virus protection

13. Avast Online Security

An extension from the developers of the popular Avast antivirus. It has anti-phishing functionality and automatic URL fixing so you don't end up on a fake website. Avast Online Security also warns you against going to infected or compromised websites.

14. Online anti-virus Dr. Web

An extension from the Dr. Web anti-virus for checking web pages and links. You can run from the context menu and make sure that the site you are about to open is not infected.

Dr. Web Link Checker Website

Other

15. HTTPS Everywhere

16. Web of Trust

A popular extension that compiles website reputation ratings based on user reviews. If a website or online store is found to be fraudulent, distributing malware or dishonestly treating customers, Web Of Trust will assign it a red mark. When you visit suspicious sites, the extension will notify you of how dangerous they can be.

WOT: website security and online protection mywot.com

17. SecureMail for Gmail

A handy Chrome extension for Gmail that lets you send encrypted emails that no one else can read but you and the recipient. You just need to compose an email and encrypt it with a password.

The recipient will have to use the same password to decrypt the email. The encryption happens on the client side, so even the developers of the extension cannot access the encrypted messages.

Application not found

18. Mailvelope

An extension similar to Secure Mail for Gmail. Provides OpenPGP encryption for email providers: Gmail, Yahoo and others. Without a password, your messages will look like complete gibberish that no one can decipher.

Mailvelope www.mailvelope.com