Plugins (also known as ‘extensions’ and ‘add-ons’) are often useful sidekicks in the web browsing experience. Unfortunately, many have known, gaping security vulnerabilities. Some of these should never be used, while others should only be treated with the utmost caution. Here are three popular plugins you should reconsider:

Flash
Every discussion about unsafe plugins has to start with Adobe Flash. Steve Jobs was hypercritical of the extension and went so far as to ban its use on iOS. Elsewhere, Facebook bashed the add-on, and streaming sites such as YouTube stopped using it. But the internet wasn’t always so cold to Flash.

Before HTML5’s arrival, Flash was the standard. That made it a hotbed for hackers, who preyed on Flash’s security vulnerabilities and loaded various versions with malware. Adobe is officially killing the plugin in 2020, and with alternatives rightfully taking over, you should rarely be using Flash. Some streaming sites do still require it, so tread carefully. Just make sure your default setting blocks Flash, and only approve its use situationally.

Java
Java is another plugin with a poor reputation. This stems from the notorious Flashback Trojan exploit that infected more than 600,000 Mac devices. Because Macs are known for being less susceptible to viruses, the fiasco raised eyebrows. Oracle did patch the issue, but it took them four months to do so. This wasn’t the last time Oracle was slow to react to malware. In 2015, they warned users about a threat first discovered in 2010.

With such a poor track record, it makes no sense to trust Java. And truthfully, you don’t need the extension. Your best bet is to completely delete Java from your device. If you don’t have it downloaded, you’re one step ahead. No need to download it now. If you do have it installed and feel like you still need it, only use when strictly necessary. Tinker with your browser settings to approve its use on specific websites, or disable it globally and enable it when required.

Silverlight
Silverlight is an older plugin used for streaming that’s been phased out. Past code vulnerabilities lead to the undetected exploitation for over two and a half years. The exploit fooled users into using a compromised website, then attacked them. Although Silverlight’s popularity has drastically faded, it could still be vulnerable to malvertising (a portmanteau of ‘malware’ and ‘advertising’) and fake updates used to infect users.

You may no longer use Silverlight, but that doesn’t mean you’re safe. While Silverlight is no longer commonly employed, there’s a high chance you still have it installed if you’re a video streamer. Check to see if that’s the case. If you find Silverlight installed on your browser, uninstall immediately. No worries, you shouldn’t miss it or be prompted for it again. Most video is now deployed using HTML5.

Unfortunately, good plugin hygiene only goes so far. Applying skepticism when using browser extensions will help you avoid malware, but it won’t privatize your web traffic. For that, you need a VPN
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