Ghostery for Firefox 10.2.5 / 10.2.6 Pre-release

Overview

Ghostery for Firefox add on which can find which web sites are trying to track the user when they visit a web site. The add on will block all or only some of these trackers. It can link out to the web sites' privacy policy. Scripts, local objects and iFrame code can also be blocked to prevent tracking and other more unpleasant things from happening on suspect web sites.

Installation

Ghostery for Firefox is available from its Firefox Add On page on the Mozilla web site. Using the Mozilla Firefox web browser, the linked page can be accessed, then click the “Download Now” button below the description of the Firefox add-on. Or use our mirror.

There is no extra software or malware added when the Ghostery plug-in is added to the Firefox browser.

Interface

The Ghostery application provides a ghoulish blue add on icon in the Firefox add on area to the right of the address bar. Clicking on this will bring up the list of trackers that the software has detected. An indicator number is also overlaid over the icon so the user can keep an eye on how many trackers are on each web site they are accessing without needing to keep opening the Ghostery control menu to check.

Each tracker found can have its tracking toggled on or off by using the slider to the right of the tracker name in the menu system.

There is a gear icon for settings in the top-right corner of the control menu. At the bottom of the menu are two buttons to Pause Blocking and to Whitelist a site.

Pros

• Tracks the trackers
• Sees trackers, pixel trackers, web bugs, and beacons that send back messages to a web site
• Can block any and all of these trackers
• Individually select which tracker to allow on an individual web site
• Links out to the privacy policy of any companies with trackers so the user can make an informed decision on whether to block their data collection
• Block scripts from web sites that are untrusted. Delete shared objects stored locally, iFrame code, and images
• Optional GhostRank provides cloud intelligence back to Ghostery with information about trackers and where they were located which helps to improve the product
• Anonymous use without the need for a Ghostery account

Cons

• None.

Conclusion

Ghostery for Firefox provides the same excellent functionality as it does with other Ghostery browser extensions or add ons. Trackers can be prevented from collecting data on the visitor and sending that information back to their servers.