Securing Chrome

A Comprehensive Privacy Guide for 2025

Browser Security Fundamentals

Essential Privacy Extensions

• DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials ✅ (Effective for blocking trackers)
• uBlock Origin Lite ✅ (Lightweight, but the full version is more powerful)
• HTTPS Everywhere ⚠️ (Redundant, as Chrome enforces HTTPS by default)

Sync and Privacy Configuration

Chrome Sync Settings

1. Open Chrome Settings.
2. Navigate to “Sync and Google services.”
3. Carefully select specific data to sync:
   • Bookmarks ✅
   • Passwords ✅
   • Settings ✅
   • Extensions ✅
4. Avoid “Sync everything” option ✅ (Reduces unnecessary data collection.)

Privacy Enhancements

• Enable “Enhanced Safe Browsing” ✅ (Chrome’s actual tracking protection feature)
• Use Incognito mode for sensitive browsing ✅
• Regularly review and clear browsing data ✅

Browser Security Settings

Tracking and Cookie Management

1. Enable “Do Not Track” request ⚠️ (Mostly ignored by websites; limited effectiveness.)
2. Manage third-party cookie settings ✅ (Blocking them improves privacy.)
3. Use DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials for additional protection ✅

Safety and Updates

• Run Chrome’s Safety Check regularly ✅
• Keep browser consistently updated ✅
• Enable automatic updates ✅

Search Engine Configuration

• Install DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials ✅
• Set DuckDuckGo as the default search engine ✅ (Can be configured in Chrome settings.)
• Utilize built-in privacy features ✅

Additional Recommendations

• Periodically review extension permissions ✅
• Use strong, unique passwords ✅
• Consider using a reputable password manager ✅

Corrections and Notes

• HTTPS Everywhere is unnecessary as Chrome defaults to HTTPS.
• Chrome does not have a “Tracking Protection” setting; enable “Enhanced Safe Browsing” instead.
• “Do Not Track” requests are widely ignored by most websites.

Final Thoughts

Privacy is an ongoing process. Regularly review and adjust your settings to maintain optimal security.