How to Stop Browser Spyware and Tracking Extensions

Browser extensions can be really handy, but sometimes they can be a bit cheeky and track what you're doing online without you even realising. This guide will help you find and remove those sneaky extensions and other bits and bobs that might be watching your every click.

Spotting the Sneaky Suspects

It's not always obvious when an extension is tracking you. Some might be upfront about it, while others try to hide in plain sight. Keep an eye out for anything that seems too good to be true or asks for a lot of permissions when you install it.

• Extensions you don't remember installing.
• Browser acting slower than usual or showing unexpected pop-ups.
• New toolbars or search engines appearing in your browser.
• Websites looking or behaving differently.

Giving Extensions the Boot

The easiest way to stop unwanted tracking is to remove the extensions altogether. This process is pretty similar across most web browsers. We'll walk through the general steps, so you can adapt them to whatever browser you're using.

• **For Chrome:** Click the three dots (menu) > More tools > Extensions. You can also type 'chrome://extensions' into your address bar.
• **For Firefox:** Click the three lines (menu) > Add-ons and themes > Extensions. You can also type 'about:addons' into your address bar.
• **For Edge:** Click the three dots (menu) > Extensions. You can also type 'edge://extensions' into your address bar.
• Look for any extensions you don't recognise or no longer use. Click 'Remove' or 'Disable' for anything suspicious.

Clearing Out Your Browser's Memory

Beyond extensions, your browser also saves a lot of information as you browse the internet. Things like your browsing history, cookies, and cached files can sometimes hold clues about your online activity. Giving these a regular clear-out can help keep your private information just that—private.

• **For Chrome:** Click the three dots (menu) > More tools > Clear browsing data. Make sure to select a 'Time range' like 'All time'.
• **For Firefox:** Click the three lines (menu) > Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear Data. You can choose what to clear.
• **For Edge:** Click the three dots (menu) > Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data > Choose what to clear.
• Consider what you're clearing. Cookies can store login information, so clearing them might mean you need to log back into websites.

Adjusting Your Privacy Settings

Most browsers have built-in privacy settings that can help limit how much information you share. Taking a few moments to review and adjust these can make a big difference in reducing tracking.

• **Look for 'Do Not Track':** Most browsers have an option to send a 'Do Not Track' request to websites. While not all websites honour it, it's a good step to take.
• **Block third-party cookies:** These cookies are often used for tracking across different websites. Blocking them can significantly reduce tracking.
• **Review site permissions:** Some websites ask for access to your location, camera, or microphone. Regularly check and revoke any unnecessary permissions.
• Check your browser's settings for 'Privacy', 'Security', or 'Site Permissions' sections.

Key takeaway

By regularly checking your browser extensions, clearing your browsing data, and adjusting your privacy settings, you can take back control of your online privacy. These simple steps can make a big difference in stopping unwanted tracking and keeping your internet experience more secure.