# Public Fox

> Block downloads, lock down bookmarks/addons/downloads with a password.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/public-fox](https://chrome-stats.com/d/public-fox)

## Overview

- **ID:** `public-fox`
- **Platform:** Firefox
- **Type:** Firefox add-on
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** publicfox
- **Category:** download-management,privacy-security
- **Daily users:** 927
- **Weekly downloads:** 41
- **Rating:** 2.97 / 5 (66 ratings)
- **Version:** 2.0.2resigned1
- **Last updated:** 2024-04-25
- **First published:** 2006-11-19
- **Size:** 27 KB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-09
- **Store listing:** [Firefox Add-ons Store](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/public-fox/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/public-fox/privacy/](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/public-fox/privacy/)

## Description

**Public Fox** is the ultimate Chrome extension designed to enhance browser security, especially in public spaces or family environments. It blocks unwanted downloads, prevents unauthorized changes by locking addons, bookmarks, browser preferences, and even the 'about:config' settings—all secured behind a central password.

Continuously updated for maximum security, Public Fox also blocks harmful websites using a blocklist powered by community-shared data. The extension is reliably patched against known vulnerabilities and encourages users to update to the latest version for optimal protection. Additionally, users can opt to install the AdBeaver addon to earn rewards while ensuring ads remain secure. Public Fox offers robust privacy and control, making it a perfect choice for anyone needing dependable browser lockdown features.

## Rankings

- #3,430 — Overall
- #306 — Download Management
- #5 — publish
- #40 — appreciate
- #77 — foe
- #185 — course

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `<all_urls>`
- `tabs`
- `storage`
- `webNavigation`
- `webRequest`
- `webRequestBlocking`

## Safety

- **Risk impact:** High risk impact
- **Risk likelihood:** Moderate risk likelihood

### Analysis details

- Allows access to all websites, posing a significant security risk as it can monitor and modify data from any visited site.
- This extension has low user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.

> Some risk analysis details are omitted from this free response. [Upgrade to view the full analysis](https://chrome-stats.com/pricing).

## Review summary

Multiple user reviews highlight that while Public Fox aims to secure Firefox settings with password protection, it consistently fails to recognize or remember the password, causing lockout or inability to unlock. The extension does not effectively prevent users from removing extensions or changing settings, and can be disabled or removed without password. Additionally, some report freezing issues when entering passwords and poor functionality with recent Firefox versions. Overall, the extension falls short of its intended security purpose, causing significant usability problems.

### Pros

- Offers features intended to restrict access and lock settings
- Provides an extra layer of security for managing Firefox add-ons
- Can block installation of new plugins

### Cons

- Password set by user is not accepted or remembered, rendering locking ineffective
- Password dialog often freezes or does not proceed
- Users can easily remove or disable the extension without password, defeating its purpose
- Fails to block access to settings and prevent deleting history or extensions as intended
- Developer's instructions for safe mode removal are ineffective or unclear

## Similar extensions and apps

- [Fox Web Security](https://chrome-stats.com/d/fox-web-security) — 276 users, 2.40 / 5
- [AdLock](https://chrome-stats.com/d/adlock) — 1,399 users, 3.85 / 5
- [CyberFox](https://chrome-stats.com/d/cyberfox) — 4 users, 2.60 / 5
- [Privacy Protector Plus](https://chrome-stats.com/d/privacy-plus) — 92 users, 2.88 / 5
- [AddFox (Address Book)](https://chrome-stats.com/d/addfox) — 15 users, 5.00 / 5
- [Poper Blocker - Popup Blocker for FireFox](https://chrome-stats.com/d/poper-blocker-pop-up-blocker) — 33,412 users, 4.51 / 5
- [Firefox Fox](https://chrome-stats.com/d/firefox-fox)
- [Super Ad Block: Total Privacy](https://chrome-stats.com/d/super-ad-block-total-privacy) — 105 users
- [Porn Blocker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/contentshield-pro) — 832 users, 2.00 / 5
- [Font blocker foxified](https://chrome-stats.com/d/font-blocker-foxified) — 47 users, 4.83 / 5
- [PrivacyFox](https://chrome-stats.com/d/privacyfox) — 2 users
- [Cyber-Fuchs - Sicher im Netz](https://chrome-stats.com/d/cyber-fuchs-sicher-im-netz) — 1 users, 5.00 / 5

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/public-fox)