Most people would agree that the internet is a wonderful invention that opens up the world to us. However, criminals and bad actors have discovered the wonders of the internet. For this reason, it’s important that we be as safe as possible online when we’re able. Believe it or not, there are things you can do to minimize your digital footprint and even Maintain Your Privacy Online.
Covered Topics
Browse in Incognito Mode
One of the simplest things you can do online to increase your privacy is to browse in incognito mode. This is because as soon as you close the incognito window your web browser forgets the session every happened. Nothing is kept in your browsing history and any cookies that were created are deleted.
However, it’s important to understand that if you’re logged in to a site like Facebook or Gmail, your actions are no longer completely anonymous. For example, even in incognito mode, if you go to another site while logged in on Facebook, Facebook will be aware and can tailor advertising accordingly.
Use a Proxy Server
Proxy servers are a popular tool for maintaining online privacy and security. These servers act as intermediaries between your device and the internet, allowing you to access websites while keeping your IP address and location hidden. When you use a proxy server, your requests are processed through the server, which masks your true IP address and sends the request on your behalf. This helps prevent websites and other online entities from tracking your online activity, which can help protect your privacy. If you want to try usisng proxy servers, you can actually use a list of reliable free proxy from a reputable provider.
In addition to providing anonymity, proxy servers can also help you access geo-restricted content. For example, if you’re in a country that blocks access to certain websites or services, you can use a proxy server located in a different country to access that content. This can be particularly useful for people who live in countries with strict internet censorship laws.
Limit the Personal Information You Share on Social Media
You might be surprised by the number of people who share all kinds of personal information on social media. Because many people use social media as a way to stay in contact with friends and family, they feel safe and comfortable sharing information about themselves. However, you may want to reconsider sharing the following types of information on social media:
- Where you work. Sharing the industry alone is fine
- Where you live. Chances are your close friends and family already know
- Family Information. Be careful what you share about your family, if anything
Use a VPN
A virtual private network, or VPN, is another way to maintain privacy when you’re online. A VPN is just what the name implies, a private network. Think of it as a secret tunnel through which you can travel the internet anonymously. A VPN masks your internet protocol address and provides secure and encrypted connections.
VPNs are especially handy when you’re traveling and may have to use public WiFi. Accessing banking accounts and other sensitive information can be dangerous when on a public network. People also use VPNs in their homes to safeguard privacy. It’s easy to see why more people are catching on to the benefits of using VPNs.
Usenet
Some of you may never have heard of Usenet, but it was actually around before the World Wide Web and has the distinction of being the first internet community. Usenet is a platform that people use in a way similar to web discussion groups, forums, and online bulletin boards. What’s great about it is that it gives you a level of privacy and anonymity.
In order to take advantage of Usenet, you’ll have to gain access to the network through a provider. In addition to privacy people like Usenet because, like the internet itself, there’s no central authority. And because there’s no central authority people have a great deal of freedom.
Be Careful Where You Click
We’re inundated with so much information on a daily basis it can be difficult to know what’s legitimate and what’s meant to harm us. One way that hackers try to compromise your online privacy is through phishing. They may send fake emails that appear to be from a bank or credit card company that asks you to click on a link in order to keep your account safe.
Don’t fall for it. When you click on the link you’ll be taken to a fake webpage made to look like that of a financial institution. Then once you enter account information it’ll go straight to the scammers. Always check the email address of the sender. There are ways to protect yourself online.
Wrapping Things Up
Whether for work or for personal enjoyment, many of us use the internet on a daily basis. Indeed, for many people, it’s a necessity. Because the internet has become such an integral part of our lives, it’s important that we take steps to guard ourselves against people who would use the internet to harm us. Making the internet more private can be accomplished through the use of devices or by changing how we surf. So be vigilant and surf safely.
