Firefox has a reputation of being much more secure than its rivals, not least because it is more effective for those with criminal intent to target a mainstream browser such as Internet Explorer. However as Firefox continues to become increasingly more popular it also becomes a more appealing target. Fortunately there is a small army of dedicated Firefox coders willing to give up their time to patch up any vulnerabilities, but there are still steps that can be taken by end users to make Firefox more secure.
+Firefox Browser Settings+
The first of these steps is to take a look at the browser settings to see how they can help make Firefox more secure. To access these settings click on Tools from the browser menu then Options. There will now be an array of settings to choose from ordered under various tabs.
Now that you have the browser options opened, click on the Advanced tab and make sure Firefox is set as the default browser. Once this is done all actions that would normally be assigned to Internet Explorer are set to Firefox.
+Create a Master Password+
Firefox has the ability to store passwords and usernames for websites to save the trouble of continually typing them. It also has the option of creating a master password which will keep all your passwords more secure. The master password will need to be entered once per session when Firefox retrieves your other passwords.
To set a master password go to Tools-> Options-> Security. Now tick the 'Use a master password' box. Enter a memorable but strong password and click OK.
Also under the Privacy tab are options to block reported web forgeries and web attacks. Another option is to allow a warning if a site tries to install an add-on. These settings are on by default and it is just as well to check to see if they remain checked.
+Clear Private Data from Firefox+
Under Tools-> Options-> Privacy there are some useful settings such how long you want your browsing history to be stored and if you want your download history remembered. Editing these options can keep Firefox more secure from snoopers.
Another option here is whether or not you want cookies to be stored from websites. As some sites need cookies allowed to function correctly, the use of this option is used is a personal choice, although there is also an option to set up exceptions if the 'Accept cookies from sites' is unchecked.
+Firefox Warnings+
Under the Security tab click on the Settings button for 'Warning Messages' to select which messages you want displayed. The choices offer various messages about the level of encryption a site uses and if you want to be notified when for instance you view a page that uses low grade encryption. Choose the options that help you feel secure online when using Firefox.
+Add-ons+
As can be expected from Firefox there are a number of add-ons that help to improve online security and ensure the end user feels more secure whilst online.
+NoScript+
Hidden JavaScript and Java can be used to infect a computer with viruses and keystroke utilities but this add-on can block these scripts from running. There will of course be websites where the user wants either JavaScript or Java to run and this can be set up within this add-on, so there does not need to be any loss of functionality once this is installed within Firefox.
+KeyScrambler+
KeyScrambler works within the computer's operating system, encrypting what you type before it reaches your browser. Once at the browser KeyScrambler then decrypts your keyboard strokes so you can see what you have typed.
Key stroke loggers work by intercepting what you type along the path within the operating system, but with Keyscrambler installed all anyone using a keystroke logger will see is the keystrokes encrypted by KeyScrambler which will be indecipherable.
+FireKeeper+
Firekeeper is a intrusion detection and prevention system for Firefox which can detect and block suspected malicious websites, so improving security of online activity considerably. To help filter unwanted content rules can be written by the user, and there is online documentation to assist with this.
By editing the options within the Firefox browser and possibly installing a few add-ons, the end user can eliminate a number of the main threats of surfing the internet. Keeping any web browser secure is essential but with Firefox this process can be made simple and easy just by taking a few precautionary measures.