Protect: protected mode
Protected mode is a mode that Yandex Browser enables on pages of banks and payment systems to make electronic payments safer. In protected mode the browser enables strict verification of certificates. If the certificate is verified, the browser disables extensions and changes the interface. Protected mode is part of the Protect integrated security system.
Verification of certificates
In protected mode, Yandex Browser enables strict verification of HTTPS certificates. Protected mode is not enabled if:
- There are problems with a certificate; for example, a bank certificate is expired, invalid or untrusted.
- An unknown certificate installed in the operating system is used by the program or network administrator.
- A certificate installed by special software is used.
Disabling extensions
In the protected mode, Yandex Browser disables all extensions other than password managers verified by Yandex. This is to prevent malicious extensions from stealing or tampering with your payment information.
The extensions are re-enabled when you exit protected mode.
Enabling the mode
Protected mode is enabled by default when payment pages are open. The browser’s upper panel and tabs also turn dark gray, and the name of the mode and the icon appear in the right half of the SmartBox.
If you have opened an online payment page and don’t see changes in the interface, enable protected mode manually.

Disabling the mode
If you have enabled protected mode on a page by mistake, disable it:
- On the right side of the SmartBox, click
.
- In the Protected mode section, change the setting to Off.
To fully disable protected mode:
- Click .
- Go to the Protect tab at the top of the page.
- In the Threat security section, disable the Open online banking and payment system sites in Protected mode option.