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The internet has become such an intrinsic component of our daily lives that most of us can’t fathom living without it. However, even though the internet is beneficial, we must be aware that we are becoming more exposed to cyber threats and the theft of personal data.
A survey found that 65% of data breaches included identity theft. Another survey reveals the amount of identity theft-related data breaches has climbed over the years. It will undoubtedly rise when hackers acquire access to more advanced tools.
The issue is, what should we do when cyber criminals attempt to steal and maliciously use our personal information?
We can take the required precautions if we know we are susceptible to online assaults. This will ensure our safety while using the internet.
As a result, we’re here to provide you with an overview of the five tools that might help you achieve online anonymity.
1. Proxy Servers
Using a proxy server makes staying anonymous easier. Private proxies connect you to your destination through a passthrough server. It will route your connection through a new IP address, hiding your actual IP address and allowing you to be anonymous online.
Proxy servers hide your IP address and allow you to access geo-restricted content.
Setting up private proxy servers from home is the most straightforward and secure method. While free proxies are accessible, it is best to use a paid service. Some of the easiest proxy servers to set up are InstantProxies and NewIPNow.
2. A Privacy-Oriented Web Browser
Although many use Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, they are not as safe as they may be.
Try a privacy-oriented browser like Dooble or Brave if you want a more cautious browsing experience with a more robust dedication to secure web surfing.
As a reminder, extra security measures are restricted and will not secure your entire anonymity on their own. Instead, you should use them with other steps to ensure privacy.
Also, you can probably get a similarly safe service by turning off third-party cookies, blocking all location data in your regular browser’s settings, and installing privacy and anonymity-oriented extensions and plugins like Ghostery or Mailvelope.
3. Tor Browser
Tor has a few drawbacks. For one, it’s sluggish and doesn’t support video streaming or torrenting. Due to a lack of volunteer resources and user traffic, you can only browse the web.
Even if Tor communication is encrypted and untraceable, an internet service provider may still detect it. Tor is widely used for cyber crimes; thus, this may raise concerns.
Even if you haven’t done anything wrong, your internet service provider could limit your bandwidth, send you a “cease and desist” letter, or tell the authorities about you. As a result, users are encouraged to use private proxies, VPNs, or both.
However, if you have to use Tor, never download it from anywhere other than https://www.torproject.org.
4. Privacy-Oriented Search Engine
Another tool is using an anonymous search engine. DuckDuckGo and other anonymous search engines are alternatives to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other search engines that gather and use your data.
According to Statcounter, Google is still the unchallenged market leader among search engines, with a current market share of 88.62%. It is closely followed by Bing and Yahoo. DuckDuckGo, the most popular private search engine in the United States, ranks fourth with a 2.27% market share.
DuckDuckGo does not track your search terms or the websites you visit. Additionally, the websites you visit won’t be able to determine the search keywords you used. They will, however, be aware that you have viewed their page. This registration takes place through your IP address.
DuckDuckGo allows you to search the internet more anonymously than a standard search engine. However, it cannot provide complete anonymity or privacy.
5. Privacy-oriented Operating Systems (OS)
Telemetry keeps tabs on your activities when you use a computer running Windows or VS Code. Data gathered about you is mainly intended to enhance your daily software.
Still, if your goal is privacy, you should be exploring better ways of protecting your identity. The Linux operating system has various features that increase privacy and anonymity.
For example, Qubes OS uses an exciting method to launch applications. Virtual machines are used to execute different applications. Apps are divided into classes based on how important they are. The browser and the messenger are running on separate virtual machines.
As far as the user is concerned, both apps are running on the same screen. By separating apps, personal data may be protected even if a malicious program manages to get access.
There is no live mode for Qubes OS; it can only be used once installed on a system’s internal disk.
Conclusion
With advertisers legally monitoring our online actions, achieving online privacy is increasingly challenging. It’s not impossible to remain anonymous on the internet. But, in today’s ad-driven internet ecosystem, it’s becoming increasingly difficult. The problem is that hackers are stealing more and more of our personal data daily.
That stated, it is essential that you take the required measures to protect your privacy when using the internet. The technologies listed above can assist in ensuring the safety of your online activities.