DIGITALSECURITYGUIDE • Select “Use custom settings for history.” • Deselect “Remember my browsing and download history.” • Deselect “Remember search and form history.” • Deselect “Accept third-party cookies.” • Set cookie storage to “Keep until I close Firefox.” • Select “Clear history when Firefox closes.” Configure security settings: Under the “Security” tab, choose the following settings. These steps prevent Firefox from saving your passwords and keep you from visiting potentially harmful sites. • Verify that “Warn me when sites try to install add-ons,” “Block reported attack sites,” and “Block reported web forgeries” are all selected. • Deselect “Remember passwords for sites.” Disable javaScript: Deselect “Enable JavaScript” under the “Content” tab. JavaScript is notorious for containing security vulnerabilities and it is recommended that users only enable it for trusted sites. Enable pop-up blocking: Verify that “Block pop-up windows” is selected under the “Content” tab. This feature should be turned on by default as it protects users from unwarranted advertisements and windows. Don’t sync: Avoid using Firefox Sync. By doing so you prevent Firefox from storing your logins, passwords, and other sensitive information. Turn on automatic updates: Verify that “Automatically install updates” is selected in the “Update” tab under “Advanced.” Doing so will ensure that your browser receives critical security updates. Verify that “Automatically update Search Engines” is selected as well. Use secure protocols: Verify that “Use SSL 3.0” and “Use TLS 1.0” are selected in the “Encryption” tab under “Advanced.” Private browsing Private browsing is a new and important feature with browsers these days. Once you go into private browsing mode, you can browse the internet without leaving a trail. Your history? Deleted. Your cookies? Destroyed. Your bookmarks and non-private history? Preserved for when you come back to the surface. Now, while private browsing is useful, it is not all powerful. Private browsing will not protect you from keyloggers, tracking programs, nasty viruses after your personal info, or government surveillance efforts. But as far as the average Joe is concerned, your private online activities will remain shrouded in mystery. In Firefox How do I open a new Private Window? There are two ways to open a new Private Window. Open a new, blank Private Window Click the menu button and then click New Private Window. 13