5 ways to be completely anonymous online
Anonymity on the Internet is difficult to achieve, but not impossible. Much of what you read, buy, bookmark, or share online is tracked. Hackers are always looking for ways to access your personal information, while big data companies want to sell your data online. Also, many people believe that the government may be spying on their online activities. Therefore, it is important to take steps to ensure that your online activities remain completely anonymous.
one. VPN connection
Your standard Internet connection can expose your identity, location, and browsing behavior. Hackers and data mining companies may use tracking cookies to collect your personal information. A VPN connection does not store data in tracking cookies and helps keep users’ online activities private or anonymous. The connection is like a tunnel that links your Internet connection directly to a VPN provider. The provider then encrypts all information stored or transmitted over the network. VPN connections also allow Internet users to access content that would not otherwise be accessible in their locations.
VPN connections help users hide their IP addresses. There are many VPN service providers available in the market. However, it is important to consider several factors before choosing a VPN service. First, find out the real location of the VPN service provider. Second, check if the software used by the VPN service provider is compatible with your computer or network software. Avoid using VPN services that keep activity logs, which are vulnerable to privacy breaches. Consider signing up for VPN services that you can also use on your portable devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
2.Operating system
Your computer’s operating system may be the first loophole that can compromise your privacy. Your operating systems settings may allow you to automatically send your usage data and statistics to developers, making you prone to viruses and malware. Consider using operating systems that do not have such features and are not easy to compromise. However, it is important to know that such operating systems may not be easy to use and may require knowledge of using program commands.
3. Tor connection
Tor connections are considered some of the best ways to stay completely anonymous online. Data traveling over a Tor connection passes through multiple servers, making it difficult to track. Although Tor comes with its own browser configured, you can use it with VPN to make your connection completely anonymous. The more people who volunteer to act as servers for the Tor connection, the more efficient and faster Tor will be due to the higher bandwidth. Despite being one of the most effective ways to protect your anonymity, it is advisable to use a Tor connection with caution due to the risk of incriminating yourself should sensitive data pass through your computer acting as a server.
Tor connections are often slow because many people don’t feel comfortable letting their computers be used as servers for the network. Tor connections can also act as gateways to the deep web, which is a hub of criminal activity. Also, people from countries that lack laws on Internet privacy and data sharing can use Tor connections to violate users’ privacy.
4. Changing your browser
Your browser may be exposing your data to theft or misuse. Therefore, consider switching to a browser that offers advanced privacy features. Avoid using browsers owned by large companies and search engines, as they often collect information and data from users. Consider using browsers that allow you to control the number of cookies that access your site and what information software developers may collect. Many websites load content from a wide range of servers, which is almost like going to the store, buying food in unlabeled containers, and hoping for the best. The browser you use and the data it collects create a digital footprint that identifies you.
5. Use anonymous connections
It is important to use anonymous connections even when you are on VPN connections. This will help further improve your online privacy. Consider the use of Internet-enabled devices designed to enhance anonymity online. Such devices allow you to access the Internet from anywhere in the world without exposing your IP address or location. They work by splitting your online traffic through a reverse GSM bridge that ends up going back to the Internet and out through a different wireless network.