You surely are not dead to the world if you are in search of how you can browse the web anonymously. Well, being a privacy-conscious person myself, I understand your paranoia. After all, why won’t you be conscious?
The Government and the ISPs have long since been guilty of monitoring and collecting our data. And the cherry on top? It is now legal for them to sell that data too! How awesome?
Moreover, the ratchet of trust issues is surely breaking records with reliable companies like Facebook and Google also tracking our data. Just recently, Google was fined for manipulating young minds and hoarding up personal information from them!
It’s not Shocked anymore!
With situations so dire, the only concern is simply how far they are willing to go? Now, as this surely is a matter of interest. But why wait for them to honor our fundamental rights to privacy? We can value our privacy by using the internet in a secure and anonymous way.
Interested?
So let’s get started!
Steps for safe and secure browsing
There are various ways through which you can achieve privacy and security over the internet. If privacy really matters to you, here are some of the means through which you can acquire it:
1. Use private browsers
Private browsers are a relatively reliable way to help achieve anonymity over the web. This is because they are designed to provide privacy and anonymity over the internet. These browsers are equipped with a privacy feature that helps protect your data and identity, such as:
- Block tracking cookies
- Prevent malware and phishing attacks through anti-malware and anti-phishing plugins
- Ad blockers
- Sandboxing
These features allow you to surf the web peacefully. After all, sure you are not completely protected, but there are indeed a few degrees of protection available. And that sure is a lot better than going online completely unprotected.
2. Use a VPN
A VPN or a Virtual Private Network is a sure guaranteed way to help ensure security and privacy online. This is because VPNs work to encrypt your online traffic and hide your IP address. This way, any chances of your ISP, Government, or any other cyber-criminal snooping on your data becomes moot.
Apart from that, VPNs also change your location. This way, the ISPs can’t track you down as they see the data emerging from the VPN server, rather than the ISP server.
Apart from that, there are many other perks of using a VPN, such as bypassing geo-restrictions and torrenting anonymously or streaming Netflix or Hulu. However, these perks and anonymity can only be attained if you use a trusted VPN provider.
3. Use privacy plugins
Most browser companies such as Google and Mozilla Firefox allow users to install privacy plugins. These plugins revolve around providing privacy and security to the users. There are various kinds of plugins available such as:
- Anti-malware
- Cookie blocking
- Ad blockers
- Data tracker blockers
These are some generic tools available. These tools can somewhat keep you secure and private over the internet if not entirely anonymous.
4. Use Incognito or Private Window
Most browsers provide the option of surfing the internet privately for their users through a private window. With this private window, the sites are unable to store cookies. this way, it makes sure that sites cant access your information online
This is because in private mode the tracker cookies are blocked and no information is stored in the cache. Even the browsing history is deleted once you close the window. Through this, the sites are unable to send target ads. However, you are not entirely anonymous as your location is still visible.
5. Don’t log in to Google or any other social media account
Google and social media platforms such as Facebook actively store data. This became evident after the Facebook Equifax hack. Therefore, it is better not to leave digital footprints online.
Your information is mainly in your hand, so it is better to control what you allow anyone to see. To be practical, living without social media in this world is impossible. Therefore it is better to use these accounts wisely.
While on such platforms, it is better to control what you share and remain vigilant. Therefore, the best way to stay secure is not to upload your personal information or pictures online. This way, your data can at least remain yours to some extent.
6. Use HTTPS Sites Only
Secure connections are crucial online. HTTPS is a secure protocol that makes sure your information online is private through encryption. Therefore it is better to visit sites that have HTTPS in then. Another indication of HTTPS is the green padlock in the address bar. If that is present only then process to visit any website. If the green padlock is not there, then it is better to stay away or proceed with caution.
6. Do not use public wifi
Public wifi is a nightmare for online privacy. This is because these networks are unsecured and unprotected. Also, as they are accessible by almost anyone, that is why it is easy for criminals to launch malware, phishing, and ransomware attacks through them.
Furthermore, hackers are always on the hunt for their prey, mainly through public wifi. As these networks are insecure, they are filled with loopholes through which hackers easily infiltrate and exploit your data.
7. Use private search engines
A traditional search engines such as Google and Bing are infamous for collecting and selling our data. This is why it is better to go for a private search engine.
This is because private search engines are designed, so they block ads and trackers. Also, they don’t store any data in their cache and block cookies too. However, our location is still visible to the ISP.
Final words
Privacy and security y over the internet is undoubtedly hard to achieve. However, it is extremely crucial to acquire. After all, who likes their personal data in other people’s hands? Therefore following some privacy measures, while browsing the web to attain anonymity is a must!
