How do you as a user validate the security of tools like this? I am avoiding many potentially useful tools (e.g. Some Obsidian or Chrome plugins) out of paranoi

How do you as a user validate the security of tools like this? I am avoiding many potentially useful tools (e.g. Some Obsidian or Chrome plugins) out of paranoia. Is there a better way than going through the code or running Wireshark myself? Even these are not bulletproof… For now, I am resorting to building the simple things for my use myself. The benefit is that its often quite fun.