Mozilla has announced that Firefox will be updated with new features to block websites from mining virtual currencies and also take down website trackers. The announcement was made through the developer update on the Mozilla blog.
Mozilla has decided to introduce the features to provide users with better online privacy protection. The web browser brand is collaborating with Disconnect, a company that excels in developing privacy-enhancing software. Both companies have compiled a list of domains to combat websites riddled with fingerprinting and cryptomining scripts.
For context, the fingerprinting scripts collect your computer’s system configuration to create a digital fingerprint. Through that script, advertisers can exploit the personal data and serve you targeted advertisement.
Additionally, the cryptocurrency mining is a programming script that attackers embed into malicious websites. When an unsuspecting victim visits certain websites, the script will automatically operate unknowingly. Draining the computing power and battery to generate virtual currencies.
The features are now live on the latest Firefox Nightly and Beta versions. Do keep in mind that the features are switched off by default, with Mozilla leaving it up to the users to activate the features and protect themselves.
(Source: PC Magazine, Mozilla)
