Yandex Browser

CryptoPro Develops CryptoPro-Browser with Russian Cryptography for FSB Compliance

CryptoPro is creating its own browser called CryptoPro-Browser as part of the CryptoPro CSP 6.0 cryptographic information protection system. The product will include built-in cryptographic tools, support for the company's plugin, and TLS connections using Russian cryptographic algorithms. The development follows Google's removal of the CryptoPro extension from the Chrome Web Store in February 2025, which left new users without an easy installation method. The project has been coordinated with the FSB of Russia and targets scenarios requiring compliance with Russian information security regulations. CryptoPro plans to incorporate experience from its earlier Chromium-Gost project started in 2017, while also recommending Yandex Browser as an alternative. Analysts estimate the development cost at several tens of millions of rubles, with the main focus on corporate customers needing certificate management and specialized support.

Trusting Russian Root Certificates and Monitoring Domestic CT Logs

The article examines risks associated with installing Russian root certificates issued by the Ministry of Digital Development. It explains how these certificates, when trusted, enable potential MitM attacks through TSPU infrastructure by allowing on-the-fly issuance of fraudulent certificates for foreign domains. Yandex Browser stands out by enforcing Certificate Transparency checks for domestic certificates, unlike other browsers that disable CT validation in the presence of added roots. Three primary domestic CT logs are maintained by Yandex, VK, and the Ministry, with log lists updated annually. A Python script is provided to query these logs directly and verify SCT inclusion for any certificate. The piece also notes limitations of existing web monitors such as ct.tlscc.ru when dealing with newer log endpoints.

Browser Privacy Ranking 2026: Tor Browser Leads at 9.5 While Chrome and Yandex Rank Lowest

SecurityLab.ru has published a detailed 2026 browser privacy ranking that evaluates major browsers across six criteria including initial network behavior, site isolation, fingerprint resistance, funding model, configurability, and code auditability. Tor Browser scores highest at 9.5 for its comprehensive protections including unified fingerprinting and layered JavaScript controls, followed by Mullvad Browser at 9.0 and LibreWolf at 8.5. Brave earns 7.5 for built-in tracker blocking but faces criticism over default telemetry and cryptocurrency features. Firefox scores 6.0 out of the box yet reaches 8.5 after extensive configuration, while Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Yandex Browser occupy the bottom positions due to persistent tracking mechanisms and closed-source components. The report also highlights the Local Mess localhost tracking technique used by Meta and Yandex that bypassed browser isolation entirely.

Russia's FAS Opens Antitrust Case Against Apple for Failing to Pre-Install Domestic Software on iOS Devices

Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service has initiated proceedings against Apple after the company failed to comply with a prior warning to pre-install Russian software on iPhones and iPads. The case stems from requirements under Russian law to offer domestic alternatives for search engines, messengers, and app stores. Apple had added support for a Russian search engine in a software update, but this did not satisfy regulators who also demanded the national messenger and domestic app store. Non-compliance could result in a fine reaching up to 4 billion rubles under the Code of Administrative Offenses. The government has already approved a mandatory list of Russian applications that must be pre-installed on smartphones and tablets starting January 1, 2027. The list includes RuStore, Max, Yandex Browser, Alice AI, VKontakte, Gosuslugi, Mir Pay, Mail.ru, and 2GIS among others.