Even our safest browsers like Tor, Firefox, Chrome with integrated security help us to fight with some malicious websites by giving the exact type of warnings like MetaMask gives you but it is all limited to a set of specific conditions like when the website looks malicious and does not have SSL-secured environment available as well as the certificate validation. I believe MetaMask is actually much more trustworthy in these cases but believe me, whether or not you trust these things or decide to stay away, it's you in the end who will be responsible to take actions and your actions will decide your destiny in crypto.
Like for eg.; if MetaMask or even the browser itself stops you from visiting a malicious website (which may install something in your PC without your permission or start auto-mining) but you believe that you will be safe and you want to visit it and you use the "Advanced" feature and permit the browser to release the website and let you go there, then it's not any extension or browser's fault but yours because it was your decision. Take very wise decisions when it comes to using/ storing crypto anywhere. Be safe.
Topic: 10 Useful Browser Extensions or Plugins that benefits Crypto Users (Read 374 times)
September 13, 2019, 01:17:50 AM
September 12, 2019, 04:53:37 PM
In my opinion, the most useful extensions in this list are metamask and ublock
Ublock because nobody should be watching ads.
And metamsk because it is also a security extension, as it will alert of most basic phishing sites.
Look what happens when you try to access a phishing site while using metamask.
It doesn't work for all phishing, but it may save some newbies funds.
Ublock because nobody should be watching ads.
And metamsk because it is also a security extension, as it will alert of most basic phishing sites.
Look what happens when you try to access a phishing site while using metamask.
Quote
MetaMask’s user notification when attempting to navigate to a blacklisted or suspected phishing site.
https://medium.com/metamask/security-audit-improving-our-user-protections-f3e9628db97b
https://medium.com/metamask/security-audit-improving-our-user-protections-f3e9628db97b
It doesn't work for all phishing, but it may save some newbies funds.
I think it does a good enough job. To prevent the rest of the attacks is just common sense and care. I don't just go around connecting my wallet to anything. I also use a dedicated wallet to connect, I will never connect with my main wallets.
September 12, 2019, 05:51:38 AM
If you already posted this, it would be nice to give links to these extensions and write on which browsers it's available.
Thanks for the suggestion. I have included the links to the extensions and also the browsers on which it is available.
How could they don't include HTTPS everywhere? It's most important feature when we're dealing with money.
I have added the extensions of HTTPS Everywhere. Thank you!
uBlock Origin is a better ad blocker than Adblock Plus. Use that instead.
Included uBlock Origin also. Thanks for the suggestion.
September 12, 2019, 05:29:54 AM
Noscript for Firefox or ScriptSafe for Chrome are both very important plugins for anyone who needs more web security. You can configure them to by default block all Javascript on sites, and then only enable it on the sites that you trust. This would make some attacks like XSRF and XSS harder, and can potentially save you in some situations. The downside is that many sites nowadays don't load without Javascript at all, so you'll have to carefully enable scripts, which can be tedious. Also these plugins enhance privacy, because they can block tracking scripts.
September 11, 2019, 05:43:11 PM
Is it Ledger Chrome apps is still available? I thought they discontinued it after release of Ledger Live.
They are still available on my browser and I haven't uninstalled them. I don't have any extensions anymore if it's for the extensions, I would trust any ledger's (though as you guys mentioned, they stopped on its development).You are probably talking about an old Chrome App from ledger?
That app is outdated, you should unninstall it an move to ledger live. https://shop.ledger.com/pages/ledger-live
It is a new software made by Ledger that replaced this old Chrome extension. This is the software that is receiving updates, so it is safer, and also has a better interface and functionality.
Thanks and yes I still have them. I have already the live version, I'm just talking about my trust for extensions if it is from them. I guess I have to uninstall them now. That app is outdated, you should unninstall it an move to ledger live. https://shop.ledger.com/pages/ledger-live
It is a new software made by Ledger that replaced this old Chrome extension. This is the software that is receiving updates, so it is safer, and also has a better interface and functionality.
September 11, 2019, 04:10:53 PM
Price ticker aren't really that useful especially when you think that it doesn't really help you on focusing on the trade itself, it just shows you the current prices while you are browsing other things in the web. I find it more useful when you just separate the window for your crypto exchange and the other window for your other business. It's much better if you have a dual screen (or more) setup as you can really multitask and I know a lot of people are now shifting to these kinds of setup as well. For the rest of the plugins maybe the crypto mine blocker is the only thing I find useful for crypto enthusiast as a lot of websites are putting mining plugins in their sites and if this works well then I don't have to worry about my hardware being use unknowingly.
September 11, 2019, 03:56:34 PM
Is it Ledger Chrome apps is still available? I thought they discontinued it after release of Ledger Live.
Development was discontinued months ago, but you can still download the legacy apps for the Manager and the Bitcoin Wallet. I have no idea if they still work, and I have no desire to find out. They are bound to be horrendously insecure by now. Plus you have to download the spyware that is Google Chrome if you want to use them. Even if you can't get Ledger Live to run on your system, there is no need to use the Chrome apps when you can just link your device to a wallet like Electrum instead....
So if you have those apps already downloaded and installed to your Chrome, you can use them.
If you have deleted them or haven't already installed them, you won't be able to install them without logging into a google account, this has changed, because in the beginning there was no need for a google account if you installed a Chrome app...
This could be one of the drivers that lead to this new Ledger software, because if you have to use a google account to check your crypto balance.... that's everything but desired for the crypto hodlers...
September 11, 2019, 03:23:21 PM
The last time I used the Ledger Chrome app was a couple months ago using the Bitcoin app, and as o_e_l_e_o mentioned, there's really no good reason to use the Chrome apps anymore because you're just getting way worse security using them, and the Chrome app's likely not going to have recent updates or security fixes as well (might just be plain buggy by now as well). Looking at the Chrome download page of the Ledger Wallet Bitcoin, the app was last updated in July 2018 which was more than a year ago. I've had a few minor issues with Ledger Live recently as well, but it's still not worth going back to the old app.
September 11, 2019, 03:19:58 PM
Is it Ledger Chrome apps is still available? I thought they discontinued it after release of Ledger Live.
Development was discontinued months ago, but you can still download the legacy apps for the Manager and the Bitcoin Wallet. I have no idea if they still work, and I have no desire to find out. They are bound to be horrendously insecure by now. Plus you have to download the spyware that is Google Chrome if you want to use them. Even if you can't get Ledger Live to run on your system, there is no need to use the Chrome apps when you can just link your device to a wallet like Electrum instead.The Ethereum and Ripple Chrome apps have been disabled and no longer work.
More info here: https://support.ledger.com/hc/en-us/articles/360007534774-Download-Ledger-Chrome-apps
September 11, 2019, 02:59:28 PM
If you already posted this, it would be nice to give links to these extensions and write on which browsers it's available. I don't have many extensions on my browser and there is only 1 or 2 related with crypto. First of all I have one crypto miner blocker. But since Coinhive stopped worked, such extension isn't much needed. Another one is BPIP for Bitcointalk - just a great addition to this forum. I don't have Metamask and hardware wallet extensions because I have Ledger Live app. I agree that crypto price ticker is very useful and convenient thing, but I prefer just to visit website like Coinmarketcap. Having many extensions can make your browser slower and there can be some privacy or even malware issues.
I agree. I've used metamask before and it really detects fishy websites but I'm not comfortable anymore using any extensions except the ledger extensions.
Is it Ledger Chrome apps is still available? I thought they discontinued it after release of Ledger Live.
I agree. I've used metamask before and it really detects fishy websites but I'm not comfortable anymore using any extensions except the ledger extensions.
September 11, 2019, 02:47:22 PM
I agree. I've used metamask before and it really detects fishy websites but I'm not comfortable anymore using any extensions except the ledger extensions.
You are probably talking about an old Chrome App from ledger?
That app is outdated, you should unninstall it an move to ledger live. https://shop.ledger.com/pages/ledger-live
It is a new software made by Ledger that replaced this old Chrome extension. This is the software that is receiving updates, so it is safer, and also has a better interface and functionality.
September 11, 2019, 10:39:35 AM
In my opinion, the most useful extensions in this list are metamask
I agree. I've used metamask before and it really detects fishy websites but I'm not comfortable anymore using any extensions except the ledger extensions.Be also wary that there are fake metamask installers.
September 11, 2019, 09:39:47 AM
some of them could even be malicious since they know that you deal with crypto.
Exactly.Add ons which are related to cryptocurrencies, such as price tickers, wallet watchers, anything to do with exchanges or trading, marketplaces, purse.io, and so on, are going to be downloaded exclusively by people who use cryptocurrencies. It is a very easy target audience for scammers, particularly since people pay very little attention to the code in browser add ons. Almost everyone just downloads and hits "agree" without so much as looking at the code or the details of what they are installing or agreeing to. There have been multiple reports of people losing their coins due to malicious add ons. For example:
https://medium.com/mycrypto/the-dangers-of-malicious-browser-extensions-ef9c10f0128f - this add on offered a huge 5% cashback on all cryptocurrency transaction, but actually stole your exchange login details and withdrew all your coins to the scammer's addresses
https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/23sjle/chrome_extension_just_stole_my_btc/ - this add on essentially operated like clipboard malware, changing the address you entered to the scammer's address and sending your coins to them instead
In short, only install the necessary privacy and security related add ons, and not any crypto related add ons.
September 11, 2019, 01:16:39 AM
The more addons you have the more slower your browser becomes, so it's very important you just have only a handful of very important addons.
Not to mention you're also exposed to more potential vulnerabilities. I'd say only uBlock Origin (note that this is different from uBlock) and HTTPS Everywhere are really necessary for general use, considering you know the do's and dont's of the internet. Adding NoScript (or ScriptSafe for Chrome users) into the mix is ideal, but they're not exactly easy to use and may frustrate less technical people.
If you really need all your tickers and other flashy QoL extensions, I would recommend that you not do anything sensitive on that broswer, at the very least.
September 11, 2019, 12:24:59 AM
While you're speaking about extensions here, I believe there's nothing that can be called as safe and secure when it comes to being useful in case of using and hodling crypto. You should be very careful while using such extensions because some of them need specific permissions and that could also lead to many malicious effects to your coins. Some extensions come with viruses that could lead to data loss where even your privkeys can be compromised. Don't use these things in a PC you generally us to store your coins in.
Every additional add on exposes you to more risk of malicious code.
Absolutely agree. Each time think about your safety when performing actions related to finance or your personal data.
From recent: https://lifehacker.com/uninstall-these-eight-browser-extensions-that-stole-dat-1836539093
Quote
A massive data leak was recently discovered by cybersecurity researcher Sam Jadali , revealing private information for 45 major companies and millions of individuals. Dubbed “DataSpii” by Jadali and his team, the leak was perpetrated by innocent-looking Chrome and Firefox browser extensions that collected and distributed users’ browsing data—URLs that revealed private information about users and a long list of companies, including Apple, Walmart, Amazon, 23AndMe, SpaceX, Skype, and many more. (The full list is included in Jadali’s report.)
Full report: https://securitywithsam.com/2019/07/dataspii-leak-via-browser-extensions/I used one of these extensions for a while. Fortunately not too long and I didn't visit the sites mentioned.
September 10, 2019, 09:16:31 PM
uBlock Origin is a better ad blocker than Adblock Plus. Use that instead.
There is no need to download crypto price ticker add ons. Just bookmark coinmarketcap or similar. Every additional add on exposes you to more risk of malicious code.
Similarly, there is no need for a mining blocking add on, as this is now blocked by default in most browsers, and there is no need for Purse.io when you can just use their site.
Privacy Badger is essential, as is HTTPS Everywhere which is missing from your list.
Other great add ons which should be on your list are Decentraleyes, Cookie AutoDelete, and NoScript.
o_e_l_e_o pretty much spoke my mind here... and i would like to echo some of the things he said.There is no need to download crypto price ticker add ons. Just bookmark coinmarketcap or similar. Every additional add on exposes you to more risk of malicious code.
Similarly, there is no need for a mining blocking add on, as this is now blocked by default in most browsers, and there is no need for Purse.io when you can just use their site.
Privacy Badger is essential, as is HTTPS Everywhere which is missing from your list.
Other great add ons which should be on your list are Decentraleyes, Cookie AutoDelete, and NoScript.
I have used both uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus in the past but uBlock Origin is far better. Some websites don't even detect it and put up the "disable you adblocker to continue using this service" warning like it happens in most cases when using Adblock Plus.
I also use Noscript, HTTPs everywhere, Metamask and Netcraft.
Honestly there is no need to have a ton of addons on your webs browser like price tickers... some of them could even be malicious since they know that you deal with crypto.
The more addons you have the more slower your browser becomes, so it's very important you just have only a handful of very important addons.
September 10, 2019, 06:12:39 PM
You can also just disable JavaScript altogether if you're using Chrome for a bit more security. You'll be able to do this by going to your Settings tab through the three dots near the top left of your Chrome browser, and searching 'JavaScript' in the search box that comes up. The only other Chrome web extensions I run besides that are EditThisCookie for adding, removing and editing of cookies on websites as well as uBlock Origin. You really don't need a ton of extensions on Chrome for better accessibility and productivity, and you'll have better security using just a few select ones.
September 10, 2019, 05:57:32 PM
I find most of the list useless in the way it doesn't improve your productivity, not save your time, or something else. ADB is weak at some point, uBlock Origin works better and consumes less memory in your browser. I prefer to use Noscript because it's a more powerful plugin and if you set up correctly you notice immediately a huge improvement in your surfing experience.
Not even need to then install Privacy Badger, Ghostery, Disconnect, and co.
Purse.io plugin is useless honestly unless you order something every single day, which isn't the case for the majority, nor it's accessible to every country (since Amazon doesn't deliver worldwide)
I generally don't like having many plugins and I stick with NoJs, "I don't care about Cookies" (since I really hate cookies box) and LastPass.
Everything else is either bookmarked or saved in a draft. I read news with RSS, check the value with a bookmarked page, etc
No use of any tool in OP
Not even need to then install Privacy Badger, Ghostery, Disconnect, and co.
Purse.io plugin is useless honestly unless you order something every single day, which isn't the case for the majority, nor it's accessible to every country (since Amazon doesn't deliver worldwide)
I generally don't like having many plugins and I stick with NoJs, "I don't care about Cookies" (since I really hate cookies box) and LastPass.
Everything else is either bookmarked or saved in a draft. I read news with RSS, check the value with a bookmarked page, etc
No use of any tool in OP
September 10, 2019, 04:08:28 PM
uBlock Origin is a better ad blocker than Adblock Plus. Use that instead.
There is no need to download crypto price ticker add ons. Just bookmark coinmarketcap or similar. Every additional add on exposes you to more risk of malicious code.
Similarly, there is no need for a mining blocking add on, as this is now blocked by default in most browsers, and there is no need for Purse.io when you can just use their site.
Privacy Badger is essential, as is HTTPS Everywhere which is missing from your list.
Other great add ons which should be on your list are Decentraleyes, Cookie AutoDelete, and NoScript.
There is no need to download crypto price ticker add ons. Just bookmark coinmarketcap or similar. Every additional add on exposes you to more risk of malicious code.
Similarly, there is no need for a mining blocking add on, as this is now blocked by default in most browsers, and there is no need for Purse.io when you can just use their site.
Privacy Badger is essential, as is HTTPS Everywhere which is missing from your list.
Other great add ons which should be on your list are Decentraleyes, Cookie AutoDelete, and NoScript.
September 10, 2019, 03:04:32 PM
While you're speaking about extensions here, I believe there's nothing that can be called as safe and secure when it comes to being useful in case of using and hodling crypto. You should be very careful while using such extensions because some of them need specific permissions and that could also lead to many malicious effects to your coins. Some extensions come with viruses that could lead to data loss where even your privkeys can be compromised. Don't use these things in a PC you generally us to store your coins in.
It's a basic security thing that you install the fewest things which are absolutely necessary...Also, if it's about crypto, and if someone takes it seriously, a hardware wallet is a must... (Ledger Nano S is usually cheaper than a Trezor and both don't cost and arm and a leg...)
And a hardware wallet is still not a 100% protection against viruses and other threats, because if your PC is infected with the clipboard virus (which replaces the target bitcoin address with a different one when you want to send a transaction, to hijack the transaction and to send the bitcoins to the hacker) the transaction that gets to the hardware wallet to get signed is already modified, so the hardware wallet won't check it, it will sign it anyway... (If the hardware wallet have a screen, you can check the target bitcoin address on it, just to be on the safe side, to double check the target bitcoin address if it has been modified or not).
So every people who deal with crypto should have a kind of mindset to be aware about the risks of the crypto world and to be somehow prepared to prevent the issues, but this needs to read and to learn a lot, and a lot of people don't really care about the risks...
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