Are you having trouble staying anonymous online? Do you want to improve your privacy online but don’t know where to start? If all your efforts to remain both private and anonymous online have gone sour, do not worry, there are things you can do to fix that.
Where to start?
If you’re using Google as your primary search engine and Chrome as your default internet browser, you should know that every move you make on the web is tracked and recorded. That is why you keep seeing ads referring to the items you recently purchased or looked at.
The internet is tuned to show you recommendations 24/7, urging you to buy more items right away. So, unless you make a carefully planned effort, you have little to no anonymity or privacy on the internet. Online anonymity is possible to a certain degree but going completely anonymous is practically impossible. Also, many suggestions, like stable pseudonyms, could change things significantly. However, anonymity can be a complex subject as many immediately think of potential dangers.
However, even with this being so, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take all the steps you can to make your data and online identity as safe as possible. Here is how to achieve a high level of browsing anonymity on the internet.
Use encrypted browsers and messaging apps
Most people simply use their phones, completely oblivious to all their risks. Instead of sending SMS messages like you usually do, consider using an encrypted messaging app that encrypts your communications, preventing your mobile operator from seeing your calls and texts and tracking your activities. One of the best applications is Signal, which can significantly transform your messaging routine.
In addition, you should also use an encrypted web browser that doesn’t track your online behavior or collect your data. Google is known for collecting users’ data. The Tor browser is incredible at privacy and anonymity. However, its use is not exactly user-friendly. It can be slow, and your casual browsing will take longer than usual.
Hence, users might consider using Virtual Private Networks that offer protections like Tor.
Use a VPN
Standing for a Virtual Private Network, a VPN is an excellent tool for adding a layer of privacy and security to your online browsing.
It encrypts all your web traffic, hides your IP and browsing history, and prevents your ISP from monitoring your online activities, tracking your traffic, and throttling your internet connection.
On top of that, top-quality VPN providers have fast USA servers that can handle any activity and prevent ISP throttling. It is also a solution for accessing geo-restricted and blocked content on the internet, regardless of your current physical location.
Use secure and private email services
Going beyond the Google ecosystem is quite a challenge that you can’t simply solve by using Gmail as your email provider. Even though Gmail is secure and so user-friendly, it is directly connected to Google.
In other words, Google has access to all your private emails, and it keeps your entire correspondence on its servers. Fortunately, you can avoid this by switching to more secure private options that don’t share your data with third parties, not even governments.
A secure email provider should encrypt your email correspondence and keep your communication private. And if you’re sick and tired of ads and businesses constantly sending you their promos and newsletters, you can set up a temporary email.
Encrypted storage
Nowadays, almost all internet users rely on Google Drive to store their files, photos, and documents. However, they don’t know that this isn’t the best option in terms of privacy. Thankfully, cloud storage solutions offer encrypted storage to protect your data with end-to-end encryption.
Avoid oversharing your personal information online
It should go without saying, but we’ll mention it anyway. The rise of social media networks made people too relaxed regarding sharing their personal information.
While we understand that sharing is fun online, you should avoid sharing your personally identifiable information, like your Social Security number, credit card, and bank account credentials, phone number, email, address, and so on.
Oversharing your personal information online could lead to data breaches, identity theft, and a wide range of other cyber threats.
Disable cookies and try to avoid Google if possible
If you don’t want to have to hide from those annoying ads and pop-ups, you can get rid of them by simply disabling cookies in your browser. Finally, avoid using Google if it’s possible.
It may be the biggest, most popular search engine on the web, but it tracks everything you do online and records your browsing history, activities, and personal information.
Conclusion
Failing to protect your privacy online can result in identity theft, data collection, and online tracking. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to avoid these problems, ranging from using new browsers and operating systems to encrypted services and the latest cybersecurity technologies.