How To Safeguard Your Online Privacy

Image Source: digitaltrends.com/

Online privacy is a big concern because if it is compromised you can be hacked or tracked or even be hounded by predators. Social media attracts millions of users from all over the world and hackers and malware makers know that they can now hack into many accounts that are more vulnerable and increase their ill-gotten gains. Here is a primer that will help you protect your online privacy and keep the evil folks at bay:

1. Protect Your IP Address

An IP address is allotted to every computer that’s hooked to the Internet. This address can reveal your exact physical address and even identify you, and the bad news is that hackers can get to it easily. This is one reason why Google has opted to “anonymize IP addresses.” If your IP address is being leaked on the Internet, it is time you fixed it by buying an IP address blocker or by downloading browser plugins (for Mozilla and Chrome) that will help you mask your address.

2. Manage Your Cookies

Every site plants cookies on your computer to know more about you and to track your online activities. They use this data to deliver targeted marketing messages. You cannot do without cookies if you want to enjoy a true browsing experience. However, you can always manage your cookie collection by deleting it every few days, depending on your browsing habits.

3. Deleting Browsing History

You may feel that browsing history is irrelevant and therefore it can keep accumulating. However, you’re wrong there. Here’s an example: keeping your browsing history intact, go to Google and search for a keyword that you have already searched before. Now, check the results’ page and you will see sites marked in gray, which indicates that you have already opened such sites. At the bottom of such results, you will see a line that says: “You visited this page on _/__/__.” This implies that Google is tracking your browsing habits. All major sites do this. They can even disclose your browsing habits to 3rd parties for a fee. This is why you should delete your browsing history on a periodic basis.

4. Commonsense Browsing

Don’t give out sensitive information like bank account number, SSN, etc., on any site. This is not the kind of information to like or share. Delete your browsing history, cookies and temporary Internet files every once in a while, and empty your recycle bin after deleting these. Don’t open sites that are reported as dangerous by your browser. Do not post rash or inflammatory comments. Install a firewall and an anti-virus software.

Follow the guide above to ensure that your personal data is not stolen or misused by any website and to protect your online privacy. Good luck.