Popular app installed by 222,746 Firefox users to protect their privacy has been TRACKING the websites they have visited
The popular Web Security app has been installed by 222,746 Firefox users
It was caught snooping at the browsing history of websites users had visited
Just last week the the add-on was recommended on the official Firefox blog
Data showed the plugin tracked individual users as well as browsing patterns
By PHOEBE WESTON
DAILYMAIL.COM
17 August 2018
Mozilla Firefox users have had their online history tracked by an app that was designed to protect privacy.
The popular Web Security app, which has been installed by 222,746 Firefox users, was caught snooping at the websites users visited.
It was doing so by recording each page a user clicked on in the browser and then forwarding this information to a specific address on the internet where it was stored.
This is despite it claiming to actively protecting users ‘from malware, tampered websites or phishing sites that aim to steal your personal data.’
This incident underscores the critical importance of internet privacy and the need for users to be vigilant about the tools and apps they trust with their online activities.
Instances like these serve as a stark reminder of the potential risks users face, even when they believe they are taking measures to protect their privacy.
In an age where online threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, staying informed and relying on reliable sources such as blogs about privacy is essential.
Being aware of potential risks and relying on reputable sources can go a long way in maintaining a secure online environment.
Last week the add-on was even recommended on the official Firefox blog.
Just last month another popular plug-in for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox was also found to be recording what users did online.
The reports were made by Raymond Hill, the author of uBlock Origin and Mike Kuketz, a German privacy and security blogger.
‘With this extension, I see that for every page you load in your browser, there is a POST to http://136.243.163.73/’, Mr Hill wrote on Reddit last week.
‘The posted data is garbled, maybe someone will have the time to investigate further.’
Just days later, Mr Kuketz posted about the same behaviour.
Someone visiting his forum then decoded the data and revealed that the add-on was sending the URL to a German server.
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