Privacy and Security Add-ons for Firefox 2.0

I thought that it would be a nice idea to compile a list of privacy and security related add-ons for Firefox 2.0. The list is not complete but I think I have everything covered with those add-ons, feel free to add your top picks in the comments. Let's go.

Please note that while most add-ons have been created for Firefox 2 or previous versions of the browser, they should work just fine in the latest official versions as well.

It is however best to check out the compatibility information on the add-on's pages to make sure it is compatible with your version of Firefox.

• Browse At Work - Adds an option to use a web proxy for specific requests.
• Dr. Web Anti-Virus Link checker - Sends a link to a file to the anti-virus checker which scans the content and warns you if malicious content was found.
• FlashBlock - Block nasty flash ads with this add-on. More and more websites use flash advertisement which is not blocked by most ad blockers.
• Fox Tor - Adds a button to Firefox which enables the Tor anonymity service.
• Foxy Proxy - adds lots of functionality to the proxy settings like the ability to use multiple proxies.
• Http only - Makes it impossible to read cookies using JavaScript by encrypting them.
• Key Scrambler - Encrypts the keystrokes on the way to your browser, defeats keyloggers.
• No Script - Block Java and JavaScript and enable it only for trusted websites using a whitelist.
• Safe Cache - Defends against web privacy attacks.
• Safe History - Defends against web privacy attacks.
• Show IP - Displays information about the website that you are currently connected to. Makes it possible to look-up the owner of a website for example.
• Stealther - Makes it possible to temporarily disable certain privacy related settings like cookies, disk cache and browsing history in Firefox. Firefox offers a similar option in the privacy options menu which lets you clear those settings with the click of a button (or when you exit Firefox). The second method deletes everything, the first makes it possible to keep the settings (cookies for example) for trusted websites and enable Stealther only when you browse other sites.
• Temporary Inbox - Use this service to create a temporary email address which can be used to register at certain websites that require a registration. This is great if you want to avoid that your real email addresses are sold and you get flooded with spam. (Trashmail.net is an alternative.)
• View Cookies CS - A basic cookies manager, edit cookies, protect, import and export.

Update: We have published an updated privacy guide for Firefox in 2011.

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