Merlin
Port Authority

Port Authority

Blocks websites from using javascript to port scan your computer/network and dynamically blocks all LexisNexis endpoints from running their invasive data collection scripts.

What is Port Authority?
"Port Authority" is a FOSS Firefox add-on providing robust defense against unauthorized JavaScript port scans and invasive data collection scripts by LexisNexis. This user-friendly tool notifies users of blocked activity, includes a customizable whitelist, ensures privacy, requires minimal permissions, and does not store or transmit users' data. It's developed in response to unethical tracking, offering dynamic blocking of harmful domains and scripts, supported by community contributions and extensive research into data privacy threats.
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Merlin
Stats
By: ACK-J
Users: 1,005 ▲ 5
Rating: 4.60 (20)
Version: 1.1.4 (Last updated: 2023-08-03)
Creation date: 2021-03-22
Weekly download count: 21
Firefox on Android: No
Risk impact: High risk impact
Risk likelihood: Moderate risk likelihood
Manifest version: 2
Permissions:
  • webRequest
  • webRequestBlocking
  • storage
  • unlimitedStorage
  • tabs
  • notifications
  • dns
  • <all_urls>
Size: 173.81K
URLs: Website
Stats date:

Chrome-Stats Rank

# 3100 ▼ 20
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Other platforms

Not available on Chrome
Not available on Edge
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Merlin
Summary
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Code This addon is free and open-source software (FOSS) all code can be found here: https://github.com/ACK-J/Port_Authority Please report your bugs or feature requests in a GitHub issue instead of in a review.

Blog Post (Currently Down) https://www.g666gle.me/Port-Authority/

Test if it works! (Currently Down) https://www.g666gle.me/PortScan.html

What does this addon do?

  1. Blocks all possible types of port scanning (HTTP/HTTPS/WS/WSS/FTP/FTPS)
  2. Dynamically blocks the ThreatMetrix tracking scripts made by one of the largest and least ethical data brokers IMO (Lexis Nexis)
  3. Easily auditable, with the core functionality being about 250 lines of commented code. HERE
  4. Gives an optional notification when one of the above scenarios are blocked
  5. Provides an optional whitelist to prevent portscans and tracking scripts from being blocked on trusted domains
  6. This addon doesn't store/transmit any data or metadata about you or your requests... because ya know privacy
Donations If you are feeling generous or really like my work, consider donating
  • Monero Address: 89jYJvX3CaFNv1T6mhg69wK5dMQJSF3aG2AYRNU1ZSo6WbccGtJN7TNMAf39vrmKNR6zXUKxJVABggR4a8cZDGST11Q4yS8
  • Total donated (Jan 1, 2024): 0.0 XMR
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User reviews
User reviews summary
These summaries are automatically generated weekly using AI based on recent user reviews. Firefox Browser Add-ons does not verify user reviews, so some user reviews may be inaccurate, spammy, or outdated.
Pros
  • Prevents websites from port scanning
  • Blocks various methods of scanning including HTTP, HTTPS, and websockets
  • Works as intended
Cons
  • Notification settings not remembered after browser restart
  • Needs a whitelisting option for specific sites
  • Causes browser boot-loop for some users
Most mentioned
  • Needs a whitelisting option for specific sites
  • Notification settings not remembered after browser restart
  • Works as intended
  • Great at preventing websites from port scanning
Recent reviews
Thank you, ACK-J - this little extension works well. However, I've only rated it 3 stars because sometimes it proves to be a somewhat counter-productive annoyance. This plugin really, really needs a "whitelisting" option. For example, I can't log in and use box(dot)com and a couple of other sites/services that I use to backup my files online, unless I remember to temporarily disable 'Port Authority'. Please add a whitelisting option - that will make it a fully 5 star extension.
by Brother Charles, 2024-04-13
Works good! I didn't know so many websites tried to scan my local network O_o
by Edward, 2024-02-01
View all user reviews
Safety
Risk impact

Port Authority is risky to use as it requires a number of sensitive permissions that can potentially harm your browser and steal your data. Exercise caution when installing this add-on. Review carefully before installing. We recommend that you only install Port Authority if you trust the publisher.

Risk likelihood

Port Authority is probably trust-worthy. Prefer other publishers if available. Exercise caution when installing this add-on.

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Screenshots
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