Online security

Ad blockers offer several benefits, including enhancing online privacy, improving browsing speed, and protecting against malware. They can also reduce distractions and clutter on websites, leading to a cleaner and more enjoyable user experience.

Here’s a more detailed look at the reasons to use an ad blocker:

  • Privacy Protection: Ad blockers prevent tracking software from collecting personal data, giving users more control over their online behavior. 
  • Faster Browsing: By blocking ads and other unnecessary content, ad blockers can significantly reduce page load times. 
  • Improved User Experience: A cleaner, less cluttered browsing experience with fewer distractions. 
  • Malware Protection: Ad blockers can help prevent users from encountering malicious ads that can lead to malware infections. 
  • Reduced Battery Consumption: On mobile devices, blocking ads can help save battery life. 
  • Control over Online Content: Ad blockers allow users to filter out specific types of ads or ads on certain websites. 
  • Security: Ad blockers can help protect users from scams and phishing attempts that may be disguised as ads. 

How to Block Ads in a browser

Choose the web browser you use to learn how to enable ad blocking (May not work for mobile versions):

To enable ad blocking in Google Chrome, you can use Chrome’s built-in ad blocking feature or install an ad-blocking extension. Chrome’s built-in ad blocking is enabled by default and can be further managed in settings. Alternatively, you can install an extension like uBlock Origin from the Chrome Web Store.

Using Chrome’s Built-in Ad Blocking:

  1. Open Chrome: Launch Google Chrome on your computer. 
  2. Access Settings: Click the three-dot icon (more options) in the upper-right corner, then select “Settings”. 
  3. Go to Site Settings: In the Settings menu, scroll down to the “Privacy and security” section and click on “Site Settings”. 
  4. Enable Ads Blocking: Find “Ads” and toggle the switch to “Block”. 

Using an Ad-Blocking Extension:

  1. Visit a site like uBlock Origin: Go to the official uBlock Origin site or the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Add to Chrome: Click “Add to Chrome” and confirm the installation.
  3. The extension will be added automatically . 

To enable ad blocking in Microsoft Edge, navigate to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Pop-ups and redirects and switch the toggle to Block (recommended). This will block pop-up ads and redirects, enhancing your browsing experience. 

Detailed Steps:

  1. Open Edge: and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.
  2. Select Settings: from the dropdown menu.
  3. Navigate to Settings > Cookies and site permissions .
  4. Under All permissions, select Pop-ups and redirects .
  5. Toggle the switch to “Block (recommended)” . 

This setting blocks most pop-up ads, enhancing your browsing experience by reducing distractions and improving page load times. 

Additional Notes:

  • You can also customize your ad blocking preferences by adding exceptions to allow or block pop-ups from specific websites, as described in the Microsoft Edge settings. 
  • Microsoft Edge also offers built-in ad blocking capabilities for malicious ads and pop-ups that may harm your device or privacy. 
  • Consider using a third-party ad-blocking extension like uBlock Origin for more comprehensive ad blocking. 

To enable ad blocking in Firefox, you need to install an ad-blocking extension from the Mozilla Add-ons website or from Adblock Plus. Firefox itself doesn’t have a built-in ad-blocking feature. 

Here’s how to install an ad-blocking extension:

  1. 1. Open the Firefox Add-ons Manager:Click the three-bar menu button (or the “Tools” menu), then select “Add-ons and themes”. 
  2. 2. Search for an ad-blocking extension:In the Add-ons Manager, you can search for “uBlock Origin”. 
  3. 3. Install the extension:Click the “Add to Firefox” or “Install” button next to the desired extension. 
  4. 4. Allow the extension:You may need to confirm the installation and grant permissions to the extension. 

Once the extension is installed, it will automatically block ads on most websites. You can usually find an icon for the extension in your toolbar, allowing you to manage its settings and exceptions. 

Brave browser has ad-blocking built-in and enabled by default, using Brave Shields. To ensure it’s active, you can check Brave Stats in a new tab to see how many ads and trackers have been blocked. You can also customize and manage the ad-blocking filters through the settings, including updating lists and reporting sites with issues. 

Enabling/Checking Ad-Blocking:

  1. 1. Brave Shields:Brave Shields are automatically enabled when you download the browser. They block ads, trackers, and other privacy-harming elements. 
  2. 2. Brave Stats:Open a new tab and check Brave Stats to see how many ads and trackers have been blocked. 
  3. 3. Settings:
    • Go to Settings > Shields. 
    • Under Content filtering, you can update your ad block lists. 
    • You can also block specific elements by right-clicking and selecting “Block Element”. 

Customizing Ad-Blocking:

  • Creating custom filters: If you know how to use filter syntax, you can create your own.
  • Managing content filters: Ensure that uBlock Annoyances and Fanboy’s Annoyances are active.
  • Reporting sites: Report websites if you encounter ads or issues. 

To enable ad blocking in Vivaldi, navigate to Settings > Privacy > Tracker and Ad Blocking. You can then choose between “No Blocking”, “Block Trackers”, or “Block Trackers and Ads” for the overall blocking level. Additionally, you can manage specific blocking sources within this section, including adding custom lists. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

  1. 1. Accessing the Settings:
    • Open Vivaldi and go to Vivaldi Menu > Settings. 
    • Navigate to Privacy > Tracker and Ad Blocking. 
  2. 2. Setting the Blocking Level:
    • Choose your desired level of blocking:
      • No Blocking: No ads or trackers will be blocked. 
      • Block Trackers: Blocks web page tracking elements. 
      • Block Trackers and Ads: Blocks both trackers and ads. 
  3. 3. Managing Blocking Sources:
    • Within the Tracker and Ad Blocking settings, you can see a list of pre-configured blocking sources. 
    • Enable or disable individual sources by ticking or unticking the box next to them. 
    • You can also add your own custom blocking lists by clicking Manage Sources and then Add List. 
    • Locate and import the .txt file containing your custom list. 

To enable ad blocking in Apple Safari, you can utilize the built-in “Block Pop-ups” feature or install a third-party ad blocker extension. 

Built-in Safari Feature:

  1. On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > Safari and toggle “Block Pop-ups” on. 
  2. On Mac: Open Safari, go to Safari > Preferences > Websites, and then click on “Pop-up Windows”. You can then choose to allow, block, or block and notify pop-ups. 

Third-Party Ad Blocker Extensions:

  1. Install an extension: You can install ad blocker extensions from the App Store (like Ghostery).
  2. Enable the extension: Once installed, enable the extension in Safari’s Extensions settings. 

Additional Tips:

  • Update your software:Keeping your Apple products updated can include improvements to pop-up and ad blocking. 
  • Be cautious of pop-ups:Avoid interacting with pop-ups unless you are confident they are legitimate, as they can be used for phishing. 

How to Block Ads System Wide

AdGuard is more than an ad blocker. It is a multipurpose tool that blocks ads, controls access to dangerous sites, speeds up page loading, and protects children from inappropriate content. It is available for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS

Ad Blocker for Windows by AdGuard: remove all ads forever

Ad blocker for Mac by AdGuard: remove all kinds of ads

Ad Blocker for Android by AdGuard for rooted and unrooted devices | AdGuard

iOS ad blocker by AdGuard: remove all ads on iOS devices

AdGuard for Linux — the world’s first system-wide Linux ad blocker

AdGuard Home is a network-wide software for blocking ads & tracking. After you set it up, it’ll cover ALL your home devices, and you don’t need any client-side software for that. With the rise of Internet-Of-Things and connected devices, it becomes more and more important to be able to control your whole network.

AdGuard Home | Network-wide software for any OS: Windows, macOS, Linux

GitHub – AdguardTeam/AdGuardHome: Network-wide ads & trackers blocking DNS server

The Pi-hole® is a DNS sinkhole that protects your devices from unwanted content, without installing any client-side software.

  • Easy-to-install: our versatile installer walks you through the process and takes less than ten minutes
  • Resolute: content is blocked in non-browser locations, such as ad-laden mobile apps and smart TVs
  • Responsive: seamlessly speeds up the feel of everyday browsing by caching DNS queries
  • Lightweight: runs smoothly with minimal hardware and software requirements
  • Robust: a command-line interface that is quality assured for interoperability
  • Insightful: a beautiful responsive Web Interface dashboard to view and control your Pi-hole
  • Versatile: can optionally function as a DHCP server, ensuring all your devices are protected automatically
  • Scalable: capable of handling hundreds of millions of queries when installed on server-grade hardware
  • Modern: blocks ads over both IPv4 and IPv6
  • Free: open-source software which helps ensure you are the sole person in control of your privacy

Pi-hole – Network-wide Ad Blocking

Change DNS Server

Changing your DNS server can improve security, privacy, and internet performance. Here are a few reasons to consider switching:

  • Faster Browsing Speeds – Some third-party DNS providers offer quicker response times than your default provider.
  • Better Security – Some DNS services block malicious websites and phishing attempts, enhancing online safety.
  • Improved Privacy – Certain DNS providers don’t log user activity, reducing tracking from internet service providers.
  • Access to Restricted Content – Changing DNS settings can help bypass region-based restrictions and censorship.
  • More Reliable Service – Third-party DNS servers may have better uptime and stability compared to default ISPs.
The Top Free Public DNS Servers (You can choose the DNS server you like, ffsKISS prefers Cloudflare)
ProviderPrimary DNSSecondary DNS
Google8.8.8.88.8.4.4
Control D76.76.2.076.76.10.0
Quad99.9.9.9149.112.112.112
OpenDNS Home208.67.222.222208.67.220.220
Cloudflare1.1.1.11.0.0.1
AdGuard DNS94.140.14.1494.140.15.15
CleanBrowsing185.228.168.9185.228.169.9
Alternate DNS76.76.19.1976.223.122.150
  1. Open Control Panel and go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Click Change adapter settings on the left.
  3. Right-click your active network connection and select Properties.
  4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  5. Check Use the following DNS server addresses and enter your preferred DNS.
  6. Click OK to apply changes.
  1. Open System Settings > Wi-Fi or Network.
  2. Select your active connection and click Advanced.
  3. Go to the DNS tab.
  4. Click + and enter your preferred DNS addresses.
  5. Click OK and then Apply.

Open Terminal and type:

bash

sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf

Add or update nameservers:

nameserver 8.8.8.8
nameserver 8.8.4.4

Save the file and restart your network or use systemctl restart network.service.

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet or Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap on your connected Wi-Fi network and select Modify network or Advanced settings.
  3. Change IP settings to Static.
  4. Enter your preferred DNS servers.
  5. Save settings and reconnect to Wi-Fi.
  1. Open Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap the i icon next to your connected network.
  3. Scroll down and select Configure DNS.
  4. Change to Manual, then add new DNS servers.
  5. Save changes and restart Wi-Fi.

Use a VPN

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) offers several benefits for security, privacy, and accessibility. Here are some key reasons to use one:

  • Enhanced Privacy – Encrypts your internet traffic, preventing ISPs, advertisers, and hackers from tracking your activity.
  • Better Security – Protects sensitive data on public Wi-Fi networks, reducing the risk of cyberattacks.
  • Bypass Geo-Restrictions – Enables access to region-locked content, websites, and streaming services.
  • Avoid Censorship – Helps bypass internet restrictions in certain countries or workplaces.
  • Anonymous Browsing – Masks your IP address, making it harder for websites to track your identity.
  • Safer Online Transactions – Secures banking and shopping activities against fraud and data theft.
  • Prevention Against ISP Throttling – Stops your internet provider from slowing down your connection based on usage.
  • Secure Remote Access – Allows safe access to work or personal networks from anywhere.

List of Recommended VPNs – ffsKISS