📅 November 29, 2019

HOW TO: Use the Hosts File on Linux to Block Ads, Tracking, Malware Domains and Annoyances

improve your security and privacy by blocking ads, tracking and malware domains.

 

Welcome to the internet, it’s full of advertisers trying to sell you stuff you don’t need, trackers trying to steal and sell your data and malicious content waiting to hijack your device.

There are a few steps you can take to minimise these threats. Like taking advantage of the built in hosts file on your computer and a browser ad-blocker like uBlock Origin .

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📅 March 6, 2018

AdGuard Pro for iOS is Now 50% Off

AdGuard Pro for iOS is now 50% off in the App Store. But for a limited time only…

AdGuard for iOS is now 50% off in the App Store [limited time – direct link]. The free version is a great way to block ads in Safari. But if you pay for the app, which is now only $0.99, you can do so much more with it.

You will be able to select different DNS providers ( or add your own ) for enhanced parental control, protection from phishing and malware and shielding your DNS traffic against interception and snooping. This way you will also be able block in-app ads too.

There’s also a Privacy module that detects trackers in real time and lets you decide which to block and which to let through. It also includes popular adblock filter subscriptions such as EasyList, EasyPrivacy, Fanboy’s Annoyances, Malware Domains.

You can also import custom hosts file. Up until now, you could edit the iOS device’s hosts file only if you were jailbroken.

The new update, which was released a few hours ago, comes with a redesigned dark theme look and DNSCrypt support.

All in all this seems to be the best AdBlocker app in the App Store right now. The fact that it blocks in-app ads will do it for most people, but I suggest you spend some time with its settings and research how can you set it up to get maximum protection while not affecting usability. Also keep an eye on trackers the first time you open an app ( and maybe a good idea to keep an eye on the trackers after you apply app updates ). See what connections it makes and blacklist useless crap and known offenders like Google services, Facebook/Instagram.

📅 December 19, 2017

Gas Mask: A Simple Hosts File Manager for macOS

Gas Mask. A simple, free and open source hosts file manager for macOS

Maybe I should start by explaining what a hosts file is. But you can read all about it here. The average user probably shouldn’t mess with the hosts file unless…

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