How to block websites on Chrome, Mozilla firefox, Safari, and other browsers : In the unstoppable world of the internet, where there are new technologies but also an equal amount of bugs that can make the entire browsing experience messy, therefore, having solid online distractors to ensure safe browsing is very important for both productivity and security. Blocking the unwanted and harmful websites can help you make your systems protected and also lead to achieve your desired goals. In this blog, let’s understand and work on the process of how to block a website on various browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and other platforms, including iPhone.
How Harmful Websites Can Harm Us
- Malware and Drive-by Downloads
Virus induced websites often host malware that can get downloaded onto your device without consent, also known as drive-by downloads. Such downloads can install harmful softwares, enabling the compromising of your systems’ security and leading to data breaches or even financial losses.
- Phishing and Spoofing Attacks
Phishing websites imitate authentic sites to deceive users into disclosing confidential information such as passwords or financial data. Spoofing websites are created to appear recognizable, which makes it hard for users to tell them apart from authentic sites.
- Ransomware and Browser Hijacking
Ransomware attacks consist of encrypting your information and requesting payment for its retrieval. Browser hijacking refers to malware that seizes control of your browser, typically for the purposes of malicious advertising or to propagate more malware.
- Loss in Productivity
In both professional and educational environments, visiting distracting sites can greatly diminish productivity. Restricting access to these sites supports concentration and productivity.
- Legal and Compliance Issues
Organizations frequently restrict access to websites to adhere to legal obligations and safeguard against possible liabilities associated with unsuitable content.
Importance of Blocking Harmful Websites
Restricting access to harmful websites is crucial for various reasons:
- Improved Security: Blocks risks from malware, phishing, and various cyber dangers.
- Enhanced Productivity: Minimizes interruptions and preserves concentration in work or academic settings.
- Legal Adherence: Assists organizations in meeting legal requirements related to content accessibility.
- Personal Security: Safeguards individuals from possible data larceny and monetary scams.
How to Block Harmful Websites
How to Block Websites on Chrome
Google Chrome ranks among the most popular browsers worldwide, and although it lacks a built-in option to block particular websites, you can effortlessly do this through extensions.
Using Extensions
- BlockSite Extension:
– Go to the Chrome Web Store and look up “BlockSite.”
– Press the “Add to Chrome” button to set it up.
– After installation, click on the BlockSite icon in your toolbar and go to its settings.
– In the “Block Sites” section, input the URLs of the sites you wish to block and save your modifications.
- StayFocusd Extension:
– A widely used extension is StayFocusd, which not only restricts access to websites but also caps the time you spend on distracting sites.
– Download it from the Chrome Web Store and set it up based on your preferences.
Using Google Family Link
If you’re overseeing devices for family members, Google Family Link can be utilized to restrict websites on Chrome on various devices.
– Log in to your Google account and open the Family Link application.
– Establish or oversee a child’s account and access the app’s settings.
– Utilize the “App and website restrictions” option to prevent access to undesirable sites.
How to Block Websites on Mozilla Firefox
Firefox offers both built-in features and extensions to block websites.
Using Built-in Features
- Privacy & Security Settings:
– Open Firefox and go to the “Privacy & Security” settings.
– Find the “Cookies and site data” section.
– Click on “Manage exceptions” and enter the URL of the website you want to block.
– Click “Block” to add it to the list of blocked sites.
Using Extensions
- Block Site Extension:
– Visit the Firefox Add-ons page and search for “Block Site.”
– Click “Add to Firefox” to install the extension.
– Once installed, access its preferences to block websites by entering their URLs or setting a master password for added security.
Firefox provides both built-in features and add-ons to obstruct websites.
Using Integrated Functions
- Privacy & Security Settings:
– Launch Firefox and navigate to the “Privacy & Security” settings.
– Find the section “Cookies and site data.”
– Select “Manage exceptions” and input the URL of the site you wish to restrict.
– Press “Block” to include it in the blocked sites list.
Using Extensions
Block Site Extension:
– Go to the Firefox Add-ons section and look for “Block Site.”
– Press “Add to Firefox” to install the add-on.
– After installation, modify its settings to restrict websites by inputting their URLs or establishing a master password for enhanced security.
How to Block Websites on Safari
Safari, the default browser on Apple devices, allows you to block websites using its built-in Screen Time feature.
Using Screen Time
On a Mac:
– Access System Settings and choose “Screen Time.”
– Turn it on and go to “Content & Privacy.”
– In the “Content Restrictions” section, click on “Web Content” and opt for “Limit Adult Websites” or “Allowed Websites Only.”
– Include the URLs of the sites you wish to block in the “Restricted” area.
On iPhone/iPad:
– Open Settings and navigate to “Screen Time.”
– Select “Content & Privacy Restrictions” and switch it on.
– Choose “Content Restrictions” and select “Web Content.”
– Choose “Limit Adult Websites” or “Allowed Websites Only” and include the URLs you want to restrict.
How to Block Websites on iPhone
Blocking websites on an iPhone is simple with the Screen Time Feature.
- Access Settings and go to “Screen Time.”
- “Content & Privacy Restrictions” and switch it on.
- Choose “Content Restrictions”** and select “Web Content.”
- Select “Limit Adult Websites”** or “Allowed Websites Only” and include the URLs you wish to restrict.
How to Restrict Website Keywords
Restricting access to websites using keywords can be helpful for eliminating undesirable content on various platforms.
Using the BlockSite Extension
- On Desktop:
– Access the settings for the BlockSite extension.
– Select the “Block by Words” option.
– Input the keywords you wish to ban and press “Enter”.
- On Android:
– Launch the BlockSite application and go to the “Blocked List.”
– Tap the green circle to include keywords.
– Input the keywords and press “Done”.
Using DNS Services
Certain DNS services enable you to restrict websites by using keywords to filter URLs. Nonetheless, this approach might lack the accuracy of utilizing extensions such as BlockSite.
Conclusion
Restricting access to undesired websites is a straightforward but powerful method to boost productivity and guarantee secure browsing. Regardless of whether you’re utilizing Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or handling devices on an iPhone, there are several ways to accomplish this. Moreover, filtering websites based on keywords can offer an additional level of oversight regarding the content you view online. By adhering to these steps and utilizing the appropriate tools, you can establish a more concentrated and safe online setting.
