Waterfox

Securing Waterfox Browser: A Step-by-Step Guide

Waterfox is a privacy-focused browser based on Firefox, offering enhanced security features for users concerned about their online privacy. This guide provides detailed instructions on securing your Waterfox browser, including enabling DNS-over-HTTPS and optimizing other settings for maximum privacy and security.

Step 1: Enable DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH)

DNS-over-HTTPS encrypts your DNS queries, preventing third parties from intercepting or monitoring your browsing activity. Here’s how to enable it in Waterfox:

Open Settings

• Launch the Waterfox browser.
• Click on the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner and select Settings.

Navigate to General Settings

• In the Settings page, scroll down to the Network Settings section.

Configure DNS-over-HTTPS

• Under DNS, check the box next to Enable DNS over HTTPS.
• Select a provider from the dropdown menu. Cloudflare and NextDNS are popular choices due to their strong privacy policies and performance.

Apply Changes

• Click OK at the bottom of the page to save your settings.

Additional Information:

For more details on Waterfox’s DNS-over-HTTPS implementation, you can refer to their official support page: https://www.waterfox.net/support/dns-over-https/.

Step 2: Configure Advanced Settings via about:config

Waterfox allows users to tweak advanced settings through the about:config interface. These settings can enhance privacy and security further.

Access about:config

• In the address bar, type about:config and press Enter.
• Click Accept the Risk and Continue when prompted.

Modify Key Preferences

Here are some key preferences to adjust for enhanced security:

Disable Telemetry

• Search for toolkit.telemetry.enabled.
• Double-click the preference to set it to false.

Enhance SSL/TLS Settings

• Search for security.ssl.enable_deprecated_interception
• Set this to false to enforce strict TLS interception.

Disable Pocket Integration (Optional)

• Search for extensions.pocket.enabled.
• Double-click the preference to set it to false.

Block Dangerous File Downloads

• Search for browser.download.blockDangerousDownloads
• Ensure this is set to true.

Enable Site Isolation (Optional)

• Search for privacy.userContext.enabled
• Set this to true to enable site isolation, which helps prevent cross-site tracking.

Restart the Browser

• After making these changes, restart Waterfox to apply them.

Step 3. Install Privacy and Security Extensions

Extensions can add an extra layer of security and privacy to your browsing experience.

Open Add-ons Manager

• Click on the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
• Select Add-ons, then choose Extensions from the left-hand menu.

Install Recommended Extensions

Here are some extensions that enhance security and privacy:

1. uBlock Origin

   • A powerful ad blocker that also blocks trackers and malicious scripts.
   • Install uBlock Origin

2. HTTPS Everywhere

   • Forces websites to use HTTPS instead of HTTP, ensuring encrypted connections wherever possible.
   • Install HTTPS Everywhere

3. Cookie Autodelete

   • Automatically deletes cookies when you close a tab or the browser, reducing tracking.
   • Install Cookie Autodelete

4. Privacy Badger

   • Blocks trackers based on their behavior rather than a static list.
   • Install Privacy Badger

Configure Extensions

• After installing, configure each extension according to your privacy needs. For example, set uBlock Origin to block third-party scripts and frames.

Step 4: Enable Enhanced Tracking Protection

Waterfox offers built-in tracking protection that can be customized for better privacy.

Access Privacy & Security Settings

• Go to the menu button (three horizontal lines) and select Settings.
• Navigate to Privacy & Security from the left-hand menu.

Configure Tracking Protection

• Under Tracking Protection, ensure that Always is selected to block trackers on all websites.

** Additional Tips for Enhanced Privacy**

1. Clear Browsing Data Regularly

   • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear Data.
   • Set up a schedule or manually clear cookies, cache, and site data regularly.

2. Use a VPN (Optional)

   • Consider using a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP address.

3. Avoid Suspicious Extensions

   • Only install extensions from the official Firefox Add-ons store to minimize security risks.

4. Keep Your Browser Updated

   • Regularly update Waterfox to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.

For further setup Waterfox has full security docs at https://www.waterfox.net/docs/